237 - Brooch; Rome, 1st century A.D.

Brooch; Rome, 1st century A.D. Silver. Measurements: 6 x 2.5 cm. Provenance: Family legacy of Ramon Martí Alsina and Ricard Martí Aguiló. Archaeological collection formed from the 1950s by successive generations of the family, through acquisitions in European galleries and auction houses. Roman fibula made of silver and decorated in the shape of a swan. The animal’s body conforms to the structure of the piece, combining the practical function of the fibula with a simple and recognizable figurative design. The silverwork clearly defines the bird’s silhouette and gives the piece a more refined appearance than that of examples made from base metals. Fibulae were common elements of Roman attire and served primarily to fasten and close garments, such as cloaks, capes, and tunics. They were worn by both men and women, and, as they were visible over clothing, they also took on an important ornamental function.During the Roman Empire, a wide variety of fibula types emerged, featuring geometric, plant, and animal forms, as well as decorations of varying degrees of complexity. This diversity illustrates how an object that was originally functional came to be part of personal adornment and could vary depending on the material, shape, and level of craftsmanship. The use of silver in this example indicates a more exclusive object compared to the numerous fibulae made of bronze. Its small size and zoomorphic design make this piece a fine example of the combination of functionality and decoration characteristic of Roman jewelry and personal accessories.