A thin sheet of gilt silver was pounded over a carving of a wild boar, producing this image. A technique is known today by the French word, repousser. A roundel such as this could have been used as a decoration for items ranging from the latches of a chest to the ends of the arms of a chair. Perhaps they were placed on chariots, a sort of logo for the rider. Whatever the original function, one can still appreciate the inherent beauty of the craftsmanship. The profile of the boar is finely carved in relief. Expert attention is paid to the texture of his bristly hair. We can still see the pupil of his eye and the nostrils of his snout. With open, snarling mouth and fixed gaze the fierceness of this wild beast is evident. There is a naturalistic quality of this roundel that transcends time. Once this work existed only to embellish another functional item, today its beauty stands on it own. - (FZ.365)

Antiquities
Ancient Unknown