The Belluno Treasure is an important Lombardic hoard found at Belluno, Italy in the nineteenth century that has been part of the British Museum's collection since 1897.[1]

Discovery

The hoard was apparently found in a grave near the town of Belluno in the region of Veneto, northern Italy. Dating to the late 6th or early 7th centuries AD, the rich grave group probably belonged to a female member of the Lombardic court. It was later purchased by the curator and philanthropist Augustus Franks, who bequeathed it to the British Museum in 1897.[2]

Description

The Belluno Treasure is largely composed of gold and gem-encrusted jewellery. The style of decoration from the hoard reflect contemporary fashions in the Mediterranean. It includes two gold cross pendants (one with punched ornamentation), a gold and garnet cloisonné disc brooch, a finger-ring, a gold pin with a terminus in the form of a hand (which may have once held a pearl), and gold beads.

Gallery

  • Gold cross, which indicates that the person buried was Christian
    Gold cross, which indicates that the person buried was Christian
  • Gold pin with terminus in the shape of a small hand
    Gold pin with terminus in the shape of a small hand
  • Finger ring with punched decoration
    Finger ring with punched decoration
  • Another cross from the hoard with perforated loop
    Another cross from the hoard with perforated loop

See also

References

  1. ^ British Museum Collection
  2. ^ British Museum Highlights

Further reading

  • S. Marzinzik, Masterpieces: Early Medieval Art (London, British Museum Press, 2013)
  • N. Christie, The Lombards (Oxford, Blackwell, 1995)
  • A. Castagnetti and G.M. Varanini (eds.), Il Veneto nel medioevo. Dalla (Verona, Banco Popolare di Verona, 1989)