Disk Brooch

Art Historical Context

This delicate Disk Brooch crafted by an unknown Roman artisan between 200 and 500 CE, exemplifies the fine metalwork of the late Roman Empire. Measuring just 1 9/16 x 1 1/8 x 1/4 inches, it fashioned from copper alloy, adorned with vibrant glass or garnet inlays would have caught the light with rich color. Such brooches served as practical fasteners for cloaks and garments while doubling as symbols of status and personal style, common among both men and women in Roman society. The piece reflects advanced techniques in casting and inlay work, where the copper alloy base was likely incised or cell-patterned to hold the translucent gems or glass—materials prized for their jewel-like sheen. Dating to a transitional era bridging the classical Roman world and early medieval Europe, it highlights the enduring craftsmanship of provincial Roman workshops, now housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Art Department through the generous 1917 gift of J. Pierpont Morgan. Today, this tiny treasure offers a glimpse into daily Roman life, where even everyday accessories blended utility with artistry, evoking the elegance of an empire on the cusp of transformation.