Ca. 400-600 AD. Visigothic. Two radiate-headed bow brooches, each with D-shaped headplate and five applied radiating balustered knops (four knobs on the brooch on the left-hand side), circular detailing, ribbed bow, lozengiform footplate, beast-head finial, partial remains of catch and pin to the reverse. Good condition, attractive patina. One of the most important of the Germanic peoples, the Visigoths separated from the Ostrogoths in the 4th century AD, raided Roman territories repeatedly, and established great kingdoms in Gaul and Spain. The art produced during this period is largely the result of local Roman traditions combined with Byzantine influences. The effect of Germanic metalworking techniques is also seen in the decorative arts, but the ornamentation of these pieces owes nothing to the Germanic artistic traditions. Instead, plant and animal motifs from the Mediterranean and Eastern traditions are used. To find more about Visigothic art, see Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1993. The Art of medieval Spain, A.D. 500-1200. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art: Distributed by H. N. Abrams. Size: L:SET OF 2: 160mm / W:78mm ; 142g. Provenance: Property of a London gentleman, part of his family collection formed in the 1980s.