Buckle
Unknown Artist
ca. 409–711
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); W. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); thickness 1/2 in. (1.3 cm); Wt. 0.8 oz. (21 g)
Classification
Miscellaneous-Buckles & Ornament
Culture
Visigothic
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Bashford Dean, 1920
Accession Number
20.152.23
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze buckle, crafted by an unknown Visigothic artisan 409–711 CE, a glimpse into the daily life and craftsmanship of the Visigoths, a Germanic people who established a kingdom spanning Spain and southern France after the fall of Rome. Measuring just 1¼ inches square and weighing a mere 0.8 ounces, its compact form belies its practical role as a belt fastener, likely adorning clothing, straps, or even sword belts in the Arms and Armor tradition. Displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art thanks to a 1920 gift from Bashford Dean, it exemplifies the transitional artistry of earl...