Brooches (fibulae in Latin) were used particularly in the western Roman Empire for fastening garments of clothing such as cloaks. The umbrella style of ‘plate brooches’ developed in the mid-first century AD, and allowed a greater canvas for decoration than earlier bow brooches did. The earliest plate brooches consisted of a front-on metal plate with a pin attachment on the back, known simply as ‘disc brooches’. However, it did not take long for these to become more and more elaborate: soon sunburst patterns emerged, as did lozenge shaped brooches and zoomorphic designs. This highly stylized brooch is very charming: two cupids hold the pierced plate in the middle. Considerable craftsmanship would have gone into its production, suggesting an affluent wearer who could afford such luxuries. The use of a plate brooch itself further corroborates this interpretation; able to hold far less fabric than bow brooches, but being far more intricate in pattern, they were typically worn by wealthier individuals who sported lighter and finer quality garments.
Roman Bronze Plate Brooch with Cupids
$531.73
A Roman bronze plate brooch, with a central pierced circle surrounded by a thicker rim. This circle is supported by two winged cupid figures, facing inwards and mirroring each other in flight. There is surface tinning, and the latter half of the pin is missing, as is one of the cupid’s wings to the right figure. The central circular cell would have once held enamel.
Condition: Fine condition with surface patination, fragmented pin and one set of missing wings.
In stock
| Weight | 4.5 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 3.5 x W 1.5 x H 0.8 cm |
| Culture | |
| Metal | |
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| Roman Mythology |
