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Greek fibula from the colonies in Southern Italy

Price: on request
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Object number
AR2996G
Object: Greek fibula from Southern Italy

Material: Silver.

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 pin is attached to the body via a spiral. An extension at the foot of the fibula 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.

Dimensions: 43mm length.

Condition: Good condition. Inlcuding original pin, but part of the catch-plate and foot broken off and missing. Small chip and missing piece at the bow. Nice patina.

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.

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).

Authenticity: We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of every artefact, all items are subject to our lifetime return policy on authenticity.