Brooch in the Form of a Dog Attacking a Boar

Art Historical Context

This exquisite 2nd-century Romanoch, shaped as a dynamic dog attacking a boar, captures thrill of the hunt in miniature form. Measuring just 1 3/16 x 1 15/16 x 7/16 inches, it as a functional jewelry pin, likely adorning cloaks or tunics of the elite. Crafted during the height of the Roman Empire, pieces reflect the era's fascination with wildlife motifs, where boars symbolized ferocity and dogs loyalty—common themes in mosaics, reliefs, and everyday adornments. The brooch's brilliance comes from champlevé enamel, a sophisticated technique where channels were carved into a bronze base, filled...