In the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, fibulae (or brooches) were originally used for fastening garments. They came in a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety pin principle. Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. The crossbow design reached the height of its popularity both in Italy and the Western European provinces at a later stage in the Empire’s history. Worn almost exclusively by men, the crossbow brooch came to represent civil and military authority, with famous late Roman generals such as Stilicho having been depicted wearing crossbow fibulae. Simpler versions made with cheaper materials were then popularised by Roman soldiers, thus allowing for their spread into the provinces where they became a staple of Romano-Celtic fibula design.
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
£ 225.00
A fine Roman bronze crossbow brooch featuring a semi-circle arched bow and a short, flattened foot. The cross-bar is adorned with three small domed knobs, one at either end and a final knob brought forward from the cross-bar, fixed to the bow. An applied bronze penannular ring, covered in bright green patination, is displayed below each knob and where the foot and bow connect. Small incised geometric etchings enrich the bow and foot. The pin extends out from the hinge and moves freely. The catch plate is now missing.
Provenance: From an important European private collection, 1980s-2000s.
Condition: Very fine condition, patination visible to the surface. Slight chipping to one edge of the bow.
In stock
| Weight | 40.1 g |
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| Dimensions | L 7.4 x W 5.1 cm |
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