S-Shaped Brooch
Unknown Artist
late 6th century
Medium
Silver-gilt, garnets with patterned metal foil backings
Dimensions
Overall: 1 1/8 x 1 7/16 x 3/8 in. (2.9 x 3.6 x 1 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Silver
Culture
Langobardic
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.191.199
Art Historical Context
This exquisite S-Shaped Brooch crafted by an unknown Langobardic artisan in late 6th century exemplifies the masterful metalwork of the early Medieval period. Measuring just 1 1/8 x 1 7/16 x 3/8 inches, its compact silver-gilt form curves elegantly into an S, likely designed to secure cloaks or garments. Adorned with vibrant garnets backed by intricate patterned metal foils, the brooch catches the light with a shimmering effect, showcasing the Lombards' skill in blending Germanic traditions with Roman influences. The Lombards, a Germanic tribe who invaded Italy around 568 CE and established a...