Large Italic Quatrefoil Fibula

Culture: Southern Italy

Period: 9th-8th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 17.7 cm in diameter

Price: 12 000 Euro

Ref: 4200

Provenance: Collection Dr. Peter W. Biertz, Wolfsfeld, Germany, prior to 1990. The fibular was mentioned and described by Dr. Hans Nortmann from the Landesmuseum Trier on 8 August 1990 in a letter. Last in the English art market.

Condition: Intact

Description: Large and for its condition almost unique quatrefoil fibula from Calabria. The jewelry belonged to a magnificent costume of an important personality and consists of four spirals arranged on one level. The spirals form the finals of two rolled up bronze wires with round cross-section, this is why quatrefoil fibulas are also called "double spectacle fibulas". The two spectacle fibulas are riveted in the centre, where a bronze plate decorated with dots covers up the front. The two spirals of one of the two spectacle fibulas runs at the back to a long, tapering needle and catch plate. The catch plate is in addition wrapped around with a bronze wire. Quatrefoil fibulas such as the present one came through Greece to southern Italy. In a modified form they can also be found in Austria and the surrounding countries. See for the type the distinctly smaller example in the Harvard Art Museum with the object number 1987.135.6., as well as in the Walters Art Museum with the Accession Number 54.2943. Mounted.