Brooch in the Form of a Cicada
The winged insect was a popular motif in both Germanic and nomadic metalwork during the late fourth and fifth centuries. Gold bees appeared in the grave of the Frankish king Childeric (d. 482), while other richly appointed graves, such as that at Domagnano (17.190.698), included cicada brooches.
Artwork Details
- Title: Brooch in the Form of a Cicada
- Date: 350–450
- Culture: East Germanic
- Medium: Copper alloy, cast; copper alloy pin/spring
- Dimensions: Overall: 1/8 x 1 3/16 x 11/16 x 5/8 in. (0.3 x 3 x 1.8 x 1.6 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork-Copper
- Credit Line: Purchase, William Kelly Simpson Gift, 1993
- Object Number: 1993.263
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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