Corbridge Lanx

Acquisition of one of the finest 'picture plates' (lanx is Latin for a large serving platter) surviving from the Roman empire. It is from the late 4th century, rectangular and decorated with a chased low-relief scene depicting the shrine of Apollo on Delos. Found by chance in 1734 on the banks of the River Tyne near Corbridge, it subsequently passed into the hands of the Dukes of Northumberland. The dish measures 50 x 38 cm and weighs over 10lbs.