The Braganza Brooch

Greek

British Museum

3rd Century BC

The brooch depicts a nude male figure wearing a Celtic helmet and holding a shield. His hunting dog leaps up enthusiastically at his master. Heads of a boar and dogs continue the hunting theme. Although the brooch depicts a Celtic aristorcrat, its style and technique indicate that it is of Greek origin. This acquisition is a great example of the Art Fund's success in acquiring major works on the international art market that have no direct connection with Britain's heritage. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.

• Medium: gold with traces of blue enamel
• Dimensions: 14.1cm
• Art Fund Grant: £178808 ( Total: £1,121,906)
• ArtFunded in: 2001
• Vendor: Christie's

Provenance

Collection of the Royal House of Braganza. Inherited by HRH Nevada of Portugal in 1919; Purchased by W Piper, Chicago, then T F Flannery Jr in 1950. On loan to British Museum 1993-2000.

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