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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd century CE. A repousse brass roundel with a fascinating decorative motif of a woman, likely the Gallic goddess of horses, Epona, astride a horse, with two other horses in the background. In stippled letters at the horse’s feet it reads “MARKOS”, likely the owner’s name. Three perforations have been drilled through the sides for attachment of this plaque, perhaps to a monument; a horizontal loop on the upper back of the piece served a similar purpose. The woman wears armor and a diadem and holds a cornucopia in one hand as she rides, presumably gripping the reins with her other hand. The horses’ bodies are beautifully detailed, giving the impression of movement. Size: 4.15″ W (10.5 cm); 4.95″ H (12.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Epona was the Gallic goddess of horses, whose cult expanded into the Roman Empire after the conquest of Gaul. Many reliefs and figurines depict her in the same way as this one, riding side saddle and holding a cornucopia. She was often worshipped by soldiers in the Roman cavalry, which we know from votive inscriptions found in modern day Bavaria, Hungary, and Scotland. This roundel was likely a military phalera, a sculpted disc worn on the breastplate of Roman soldiers during parades.
Published in Venerable Traditions Catalogue, New York, USA 2007, Entry #70.
Condition: Beautiful preservation of motifs with a smooth, matte green patina.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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