An incomplete cast copper-alloy and enamel zoomorphic plate brooch dating to the Roman period, c. AD 100-200. This brooch is of probable continental extraction, taking the form of a boar facing right in the attitude of bristling-the head lowered and hindquarters raised as if preparing to charge. Standing on a thin linear strip decorated with incised oblique lines (presumably intended to represent the ground), the boar's mane has been similarly rendered by the application of closely spaced incisions aligned both horizontally and vertically. A small, curved moulding close to the mouth details one of the tusks. On the body of the boar, a series of sight small circular cells still retain their enamel inserts-now somewhat degraded, but probably green in colour originally. The tail is rounded, stubby and also decorated in a similar vein to the mane-with incised chevron decoration. On the back of the brooch, the pin lugs and catchplate are preserved intact-though the pin itself is missing. Condition: very good, even greenish patina, some leaching of enamel. An evocative piece. Length: c. 49mm. Height: c. 31mm. Discussion: compare examples published by Mackreth (2011), see nos. 14440, 8123 and 8133. Provenance: from the collection of a metal detectorist. Reference: Mackreth, D. 2011. Brooches in Late Iron Age and Roman Britain (vol. II). Oxford: Oxbow Books.
An incomplete cast copper-alloy and enamel zoomorphic plate brooch dating to the Roman period, c. AD 100-200. This brooch is of probable continental extraction, taking the form of a boar facing right in the attitude of bristling-the head lowered and hindquarters raised as if preparing to charge. Standing on a thin linear strip decorated with incised oblique lines (presumably intended to represent the ground), the boar's mane has been similarly rendered by the application of closely spaced incisions aligned both horizontally and vertically. A small, curved moulding close to the mouth details one of the tusks. On the body of the boar, a series of sight small circular cells still retain their enamel inserts-now somewhat degraded, but probably green in colour originally. The tail is rounded, stubby and also decorated in a similar vein to the mane-with incised chevron decoration. On the back of the brooch, the pin lugs and catchplate are preserved intact-though the pin itself is missing. Condition: very good, even greenish patina, some leaching of enamel. An evocative piece. Length: c. 49mm. Height: c. 31mm. Discussion: compare examples published by Mackreth (2011), see nos. 14440, 8123 and 8133. Provenance: from the collection of a metal detectorist. Reference: Mackreth, D. 2011. Brooches in Late Iron Age and Roman Britain (vol. II). Oxford: Oxbow Books.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
