Roman, Imperial Period, Gaul (France), ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A lovely bronze medallion with a round enamel inlay and two bronze chains attached through piercings punched through the upper sides. The enamel inlay is a series of concentric circles: a rich red outer border with thin lines of blue and white, and central bands of millefiori flowers. The unenameled body has incised lines giving it the look of a spinning wheel; a remaining rivet on one side suggests that it once had more places for attachment. This surface may once have been silvered based on the patina. Enameling on base metals like bronze was a Celtic artistic tradition that the Roman Empire assimilated as they conquered territory, and the millefiori enameling technique was popular in Gaul during this time! Size of medallion: 2.75" Diameter (7 cm); length of longest chain: 6.8" L (17.3 cm)

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired in 2018; ex-private Houston, Texas, USA collection

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#175420

Losses to peripheries and tear to medallion. Missing rest of chain. Losses and chips to enamel. Green patina throughout.