Important Roman Bronze Military Eagle Standard

Roman, Italy to Gaul, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. This exceptional Roman bronze finial depicts a highly stylized aquila, or eagle, rendered with outstretched wings, poised atop a globular base incised with a radiating star motif. Carefully cast and detailed, the eagle stands with upright bearing, its head turned slightly to one side, the body and wings patterned with deeply incised feathers. The base is a prominent sphere, engraved with a rosette or eight-point star design, possibly alluding to Jupiter?s celestial authority or the Roman concept of universal dominion. Finials of this kind are exceedingly rare, especially in such well-preserved condition. The fine detailing, symbolic iconography, and completeness of this example strongly suggest a legionary-level standard, likely belonging to a high-status military formation. Size: 5.75" W x 8.25" H (14.6 cm x 21 cm); 11.5" H (29.2 cm) on included custom stand.

The aquila was the most revered military emblem of the Roman legion, signifying both Jupiter?s divine sanction and the spirit (genius) of the unit. Entrusted to the aquilifer, the legion?s senior standard-bearer, the eagle was carried into battle and jealously guarded in camp. Its presence symbolized not only Roman order and strength, but also the cosmic mandate of empire. Finials such as this were mounted atop standards (signa) used in military contexts, religious ceremonies, and processions.The use of the radiating globe beneath the eagle further reinforces the imperial ideology of the Roman army ? an empire under the protection of Jupiter, ruling the known world in all directions. Comparable motifs are known from imperial coinage, statuary, and the visual language of Roman triumphal iconography.

This standard has been tested using XRF technology. The resulting metal content is perfectly aligned with ancient Roman bronzes of the period. Report will accompany the purchase.

Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection

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#195035

Surface deposits, but remarkably complete and intact