Gilt bronze crossbow fibula
Unknown Artist
4th century CE
Medium
Bronze, Gold
Dimensions
Other: 3 9/16 in. (9 cm)
Classification
Bronzes
Culture & Period
Roman · Late Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mary Anna Palmer Draper, 1915
Accession Number
15.43.270
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gilt bronze crossbow fibula, dating to the 4th century CE, the craftsmanship of Late Imperial Rome. Measuring just 3 9/16 inches (9 cm), this small yet striking brooch—used to fasten cloaks or tunics—was both functional and a symbol of status. Its "crossbow" design refers to the arched bow-shaped spring mechanism, a innovative form that became widespread in the Roman provinces during this era of military expansion and cultural blending. Crafted from bronze and adorned with gilding—a technique where a thin layer of gold was applied via mercury amalgamation and heat—this fibula s...