# Eagle-shaped fibula [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, Italian]() - Date: 0501-0550 - Technique: Gold, silver, almandine, lapis lazuli, ivory, 12 x 6 cm ## Commentary Eagle-shaped fibula c. 500 Gold, silver, almandine, lapis lazuli, ivory, 12 x 6 cm Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg A fibula is a brooch or pin for fastening garments. The fibula developed in a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety-pin principle. Technically, the Latin term, fibulae, refers to Roman brooches; however, the term is widely used to refer to brooches from the entire ancient and early medieval world that continue Roman forms. Unlike most modern brooches, fibulae were not only decorative; they originally served a practical function: to fasten clothing, such as cloaks. Most fibulae are made of bronze or iron, or both. Some fibulae are made of precious metals such as silver or gold. Most fibulae are made of only one or two pieces. Many fibulae are decorated with enamel, semi-precious stones, glass, coral or bone. The picture shows an Ostrogothic eagle-shaped figula. ## Related artworks - [Antique Purple Amethyst Vessel with Gold Stem and Heavy Lid]() - [Antique Sardonyx Vase with Lid and Mount in Gilt Silver]() - [Bernardo Buontalenti Presenting a Wood Model]() - [Book cover]() - [Box with painted ivory]() - [Chalice with Medici Arms]() - [Cross of Desiderius \(back\)]() - [Cross of Desiderius \(front\)]() - [Cross of Desiderius \(front\)]() - [Cross of Desiderius]() - [Cup]() - [Cup]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()