100-200 AD. Roman. A cast bronze brooch in the form of Cupid. He is depicted as a winged child in flight, holding his characteristic bow. The pin and spring are well-preserved on the reverse. Brooches were an important element of Roman dress, used to fasten clothing but they also served as dress accessories in their own right. Thousands of different types and subtypes of Roman brooches are attested, and they seem to have played an important role in Roman people’s self-expression. In Roman myth, Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection; perhaps this piece was once a lover’s gift. For more information on Roman Brooches see Richard Hattatt. 2000. A Visual Catalogue of Richard Hattatt's Ancient Brooches. Oxbow Books. Excellent condition. Size: L:34mm / W:17mm ; 10.4g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1970s.