The Ostrogoths were the eastern division of the Goths, East-Germanic people and the western tribes were given the name Visigoths. They established two great Gothic kingdoms within the Western Roman Empire, after the sack and invasion of Rome by the Visigoths in AD 410. While the Visigoths came to occupy what is now southwestern France and the Iberian Peninsula. The Ostrogothic Kingdom was formed in the Balkans and ruled Italy until their defeat by Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century AD.
Ostrogothic Bronze Radiate-Headed Brooch
£ 250.00
A fine Ostrogothic radiate-headed brooch cast from bronze, decorated with an intricate geometric design. The brooch is composed of a D-shaped headplate with five radiating knobs, leading to a slightly arching bow which connects with a lozenge-shaped footplate ending in an oval terminal. Two rows of dense, short ribbing decorate the headplate, whilst the bow is adorned with three vertical ribs. The top of the footplate features two perforated lobes, resembling the profile heads of stylised birds with hooked beaks. Four smaller, solid lobes project from the lozenge’s corners and bottom. Its flat body is embellished with scroll patterns situated around a cross, forming a floriated cruciform design. The oval terminal is also incised with motifs which are now worn with age. The reverse displays remnants of the original hinge and an intact transverse catch, which would have held the now missing pin.
Provenance: From an important European private collection, 1980s-2000s.
Condition: Fine condition with patination to the surface. Pin is now missing. One of the radiating knobs is slightly chipped.
In stock
Weight | 15.5 g |
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Dimensions | W 3.3 x H 6.6 cm |
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