Roman Bronze Enamelled Fly Fibula

Object Description

A fine ancient Roman bronze, enamelled, trumpet-headed fibula in the form of a fly. The insect is depicted with its large, triangular wings open, divided by a central midrib. Each wing has been inlaid with two panels of enamel; with remnants of ­­­red enamel at the top towards the head and a bright blue enamel at the bottom of the wings. The wings taper in to meet the fly’s neck, decorated by a raised ridge. The rounded head of the fly, separated from the neck by a groove, is formed of two notches, representing the fly’s eyes, with the space between them forming a protruding nose-line bar. The back of the fly descends into the trumpet-like head of the brooch, flaring out around the spring pin, held in place by two perforated lugs. The back of the head features a hoop, likely serving as a loop for a chain. The reverse of the fibula is unworked apart from the spring-pin and the catch plate.

Date: Circa 1st – 2nd Century AD

Object History

From a private UK gentleman’s collection, deceased; bought from John Cummings Ltd, 23rd of May 1994, UK.

Object Condition

Very fine condition. A dark patina and slight encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as scratches, chipping, pitting, and some slight warping, particularly to one wing. The spring pin is bent at the tip and still slightly moveable, though largely fixed in place, and the catch plate is slightly chipped, with parts now missing. Parts of the enamel inlay remain. Accompanied with previous provenance note.

Object Details