Bronze Fibula: Roman - Lion Brooch, circa 2nd Century AD
A very fine Roman bronze zoomorphic brooch depicting a leaping lion. The surface shows a nice green patina and remarkably, the bronze pin is totally intact, though frozen in place. This is very scarce form, sculpted in three-dimensions, with the head raised. The eyes are incised. Other lion brooches appear in Mills, “Celtic & Roman Artefacts” and Hattatt, “Ancient Brooches.”
The fibula was in widespread use throughout the ancient world. The Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. In the severe climate of northern Europe, it routinely functioned as a fastening for a heavy cloak or tunic. The safety-pin type of fibula continued to be used up into the Middle Ages.
(23 x 41 mm – 7/8 x 1 9/16” – 22.48 gm)
