Athena Review Image Archive ™
Frenouville: Merovingian fibulae with garnet cloisonne
Frenouville: Merovingian garnet fibulae (Caen Mus.Normandie; photo Athena Review 2013)
These
two gilded silver fibulae were found in late 6th century graves at
the Frenouville necropolis, 14 km southeast of Caen. Each represents a skilled use of
cloisonne methods. Tiny soldered compartments (cloisons) were made to
hold the beads made of glass, pearls, or garnets used in the
brooches.
The
upper fibula has four pearls set around a central garnet. The lower,
larger brooch has glass beads sectioned around a central garnet. The
garnet was also used as an Early Christian symbol. These fibulae date
from 550-600 AD.
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