Roman Bronze Umbonate Enamelled Plate Fibula

Object Description

A very fine Roman bronze umbonate plate fibula, decorated with vibrant blue, red, and cream enamel. The brooch features a central circular plate enriched with concentric bands of linear markings, creating a radiating effect around the umbo. At the centre, the projecting element is flat and circular, decorated with a circle of white enamel, framed by red enamel. Two triangles flank the central plate, adorned with an inverted V-shaped inlay of a deep blue enamel surrounding a triangular inlay of cream enamel. Each corner of the two triangles are decorated with a red-and-white-enamelled circle, echoing the umbo. The reverse is flat and unadorned, apart from the hinged pin and catch plate, though the latter is damaged and incomplete.

Date: Circa 1st-2nd Century AD

Object History

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

Object Condition

Fine condition. A beautiful green patina and earthly encrustations to the surface. Surface pitting, minor chips, and scratches, particularly to the enamel, as consistent with its age. The pin is still intact and moveable, though the catch plate is incomplete.

Object Details