BELT Bronze H. 9 x W. 31 cm Greek art, 4th century BC Provenance Galerie Becker, Cannes, 11/11/1998 Private collection from the South of France Imposing bronze belt consisting of a wide circular metal band with a fastening system of two ornamental hooks. The band, which is a constant 9 cm wide, is bordered at the top and bottom by a regular series of circular perforations probably intended for attaching a leather or textile lining, which has now disappeared. The most remarkable feature is the fastening system: two elaborately shaped cast bronze hooks decorated with decorative motifs in relief. Each hook has a main body in the shape of a stylised leaf or palmette, richly decorated with scrolls, concentric circles and parallel lines creating an effect of texture and movement. The functional part of the hooks, made up of long ridged rods, is inserted into rectangular slots in the band to ensure closure. The decoration is embellished with small circular cabochons in relief arranged symmetrically. Perforations along the edges suggest that a leather lining was sewn or riveted to the inside to ensure comfort and fit. The rich decoration on the clasps indicates that this was a prestige piece, probably intended for an officer or a wealthy citizen who could afford top-quality military equipment. The bronze has a beautiful, stable green patina, characteristic of oxidation in an archaeological environment, with a few areas of lighter patina and traces of mineral concretions indicating burial. A Greek Bronze Belt. c. 4th century BCE. Imposing bronze belt composed of a wide circular metal band with a closing system featuring two ornamental hooks. The band, of constant width of 9 cm, is bordered on the upper and lower edges by a regular series of circular perforations probably intended for attaching a leather or textile lining, now lost. The closing system constitutes the most remarkable element of the ensemble: two cast bronze hooks of elaborate form, decorated with decorative motifs in relief. Each hook presents a main body in the form of a stylized leaf or palmette, richly decorated with volutes, concentric circles, and parallel lines creating an effect of texture and movement. The functional part of the hooks, consisting of long striated rods, inserts into rectangular slots cut in the band to ensure closure. The decoration is enhanced with small circular cabochons in relief arranged symmetrically. The bronze displays a beautiful stable green patina, characteristic of oxidation in archaeological environment, with some areas of lighter patina and traces of mineral concretions indicating burial.