Copper-alloy, 8.06 grams, 38.05 mm. 1st-4th century AD. Brooches depicting animals are a known fashion of the Roman Empire, but the present form is very rare: Hattatt cited only twelve examples in 1987, of which four were from France, although further examples are now known. The brooch comprises a reclining leopard depicted with a flat body, but the head and shoulders are modelled in the round, the head positioned so as to face the viewer. The undulating line of the belly indicates that the animal is a female, according to Hattatt. On the beast's back there are recessed circular panels which are filled with coloured enamel: the outer panels are yellow and the middle ones blue. The hindleg, one foreleg and tail were lost in antiquity as on most other known examples. The pin-lug and catchplate are in situ on the reverse. Reference: Hattatt, R. Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987 item 1196. Very fine condition. Provenance: found near Haverhill, Suffolk, England.