Greek fibula from colonies in Southern Italy
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Object number
AR2996B
| Object: |
Greek fibula from the colonies in Southern Italy
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| Material: |
Silver.
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| Period: |
Second half of the 4th century BC. Late classical to early hellenistic period. |
| Description: |
Ancient fibula with an arched bow and prominent trapezoidal catch-plate. The plate is decorated by a palmette design. Pin attached to the body via a spiral. An extension at the foot of the fibula that was possibly once used to mount further decorative elements. Nice brooch and piece of jewellery. It is a type from the Greek colonies of Southern Italy. |
| Background: |
Fibulae were more than just brooches or pins for fastening garments. They were jewellery and status symbol and were worn prominently near the shoulder. This explains the abundance of fashionable shapes and styles that can be observed with surviving ancient pieces. They vary with region, era and social background of the wearer. Modern archaeology uses that distinctiveness to quickly attribute an archaeological find whenever a fibula is part of it.
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| Dimensions: |
51mm length.
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| Condition: |
Very good condition. Inlcuding original pin, but bent part of the catch-plate chipped and missing. Plate slightly deformed. Possibly tip of the foot extension missing. Nice patina.
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| Provenance: |
Acquired by us in 2020 on the British art market. Previously property of a British family. Acquired in 1983 from the Swiss private collection of Oswald Burchard. Mr. Burchard acquired many objects from the collection of M. Hess that was auctioned by Hôtel Jura in Basel. It is likely that this fibula originated from the Hess collection as well. |
| References: |
Cf. J. Paul Getty Museum, Objektnr. 77.AM.120.1 (without palmette decoration). Cf. F. H. Marshall, Catalogue of the Jewellery Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the Departments of Antiquities British Museum, plate XX, no. 1412 (earlier date given there). |
| Literature: |
A very good and compact overview on the subject of ancient fibulae is given by R. Heynowski in his book "Fibeln - erkennen, bestimmen, beschreiben" (Deutscher Kunstverlag, 2012, German language).
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| Authenticity: |
We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of every artefact, all items are subject to our lifetime return policy on authenticity.
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