Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. An adorable trio of bronze and leaded-bronze fibulae in the form of rabbits or hares! All three are similarly cast to depict the hares in profile, crouching or hopping with their legs tucked under their bodies. The first has incised lines detailing the body, and the verso retains its original pin and hook catch! The next has a pretty light green patina, and the verso retains the hook clasp and hinge. The last rabbit is decorated with an incised star and two rabbits on its side, which may have been inlaid with enamel at one time. The incised rabbits perhaps indicate a mother carrying babies. The verso retains the original pin and part of the catch. Ancient Romans regarded these prolific animals as symbols of fertility, and such brooches were given as love tokens. Size: .75" L x .5" H (1.9 cm x 1.3 cm)

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction 286 - Objects (February 5-8, 2013, lot 620); ex-private Bavarian collection, acquired 1980s

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#138794

  • Condition: One is missing the pin, and the other two pins do not articulate. Softening of details and nicks to peripheries of rabbit with incised star. Nice patina on all.

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February 11, 2021 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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