100-300 AD. Roman. A rare bronze plate brooch in the form of a Capricorn – a mythological sea beast with the head and legs of a goat and the tail of a fish – with engraved texturing on its horns, fur and scales. The spring, pin and catch plate 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. 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:33mm / W:45mm ; 9.75g; Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.