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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1985.152
Title
P-Shaped Fibula
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
fibula, pin
Date
late 2nd-early 3rd century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304302

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Mixed copper alloy
Technique
Cast and hammered
Dimensions
5.6 x 2.4 cm (2 3/16 x 15/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Mixed Copper Alloy:
Cu, 77.7; Sn, 2.68; Pb, 4.74; Zn, 14.33; Fe, 0.12; Ni, 0.03; Ag, 0.03; Sb, 0.09; As, 0.28; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.01; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is dull gray, and the tip of the pin is missing. The body of the fibula was cast, probably by the lost-wax process, with the surface designs created in the wax model. The pin was made separately by hammering and is attached to the body of the fibula by a thin rod that seems to have been inserted in one end of the crossbar. The surface of the fibula shows rough finishing marks.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Nagler
Accession Year
1985
Object Number
1985.152
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This fibula has an arched bow with two raised collars near the catchplate and a pronounced midrib down the spine (1). The rounded, triangular headplate is attached to the cylindrical crossbar. The catchplate is long and narrow. The separately made pin is hinged onto the crossbar.

NOTES:

1. Compare R. Hattatt, Brooches of Antiquity: A Third Selection of Brooches from the Author’s Collection (Oxford, 1987) 274-82, nos. 253-54, fig. 87.

Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu