Roman Bronze Oil Lamp - LO.1269 Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 100
AD
to 300
AD Dimensions:6.9" (17.5cm) high x 10" (25.4cm) wide Collection: Classical Antiquities Style: Roman Medium: Bronze
This pear-shape oil lamp dates to the Roman
era. The arched handle terminates in a horse-
head finial emerging from a leafy wreath. The
horse’s features are naturalistically rendered
with
flaring nostrils and the mouth slightly ajar.
The
facial muscles are well-defined and a thick
curly
mane runs back along the neck. The body of
the
lamp is set on a low foot ring with a circular
filling hole and an extended nozzle. The
majority
of oil lamps in the ancient world were made
from
clay, and only the wealthy could have
afforded
such a luxurious bronze example. The beauty
of
the lamp lies in the simplicity of its form,
particularly the curve of the handle, and the
sensitive treatment of the horse.
- (LO.1269)