Roman Bronze Fibula of a Cicada

Object Description

A fine Roman bronze brooch in the form of a cicada or a fly. The insect is depicted with its broad, curving wings open, extending outwards from its V-shaped body. Its stylised head features a series of ridges to represent its bulging eyes. The segmented body of the cicada is decorated with further grooves and raised ridges. The reverse is flat and unadorned, apart from the coil spring pin and hooked catch plate.

Date: Circa 4th-5th Century AD

Object History

From an important European private collection, 1980s-2000s.

Object Condition

Fine condition. A lovely dark patina and earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as minor chips and scratches. Both the spring pin and catch plate are complete, though the pin has been repaired and is partially moveable.

Object Details