A ROMAN GILT SILVER CROSSBOW FIBULA

CIRCA 3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN GILT SILVER CROSSBOW FIBULA
circa 3rd-4th century a.d.
Cast with a highly arched bow, the cylindrical cross-bar with projecting knobbed wires at each end upon which are threaded a spherical garnet bead, the bow set with a curved rectangular chalcedony cameo of an undulating and coiled snake, its raised head oriented toward the cross-bar, the cameo riveted in place at each end, the bow and faceted leg each with a flange and two small projecting knobs, the hinged pin still intact and tucked under the catch-plate, traces of gilding throughout
2.1/8 in. (5.4 cm) long

Provenance

The Gans Collection

Literature

Jaeger, Die Sammlung Eduard Gans, no. 114.
Early Christian and Byzantine Art, Walters Art Gallery, no. 466.

Lot Essay

This fibula is said to have been found on the Insula Tiberina, which was the location of the temple of Aesculapius, the god of healing. It is impossible to know if the presence of the snake, which is the god's attribute, inspired the provenance.

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