Openwork Brooch
Unknown Artist
3rd century
Medium
Champlevé enamel, copper alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 1 15/16 x 7/8 x 1/2 in. (4.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 cm)
Classification
Enamels-Champlevé
Culture
Roman
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.192.11
Art Historical Context
This delicate **Openwork Brooch**, in the 3rd century during the late Roman Empire, exemplifies the jewelry of ancient Rome. Measuring just under 2 inches across, this small copper alloy piece was likely used to fasten cloaks or garments, blending functionality with artistry. Its openwork design—featuring pierced motifs that allow light to shimmer through—creates a sense of movement and elegance, perfect for personal adornment in daily or ceremonial life. The brooch's standout feature is its **champlevé enamel technique**, an innovative method where troughs are carved into the metal base, fil...