Roman Lamp With Gladiator Figure

$694.63

Made in a buff-brown clay, this Roman lamp features a flaring nozzle with a large, decorated central discuss. The rim is flattened and includes concentric circles, to frame the figure within the centre. The discus depicts a gladiator turning to the left, equipped with a gleve, a helmet, and a shield. The lamp has a slightly raised base-ring.

Date: Circa 1st-2nd century AD
Condition: Fine, with some signs of ageing.

SOLD

Across the Roman Empire, a lamp was originally called a ‘lychnus’, from the Greek ‘λυχνος’, with the oldest Roman lamps dating back to the third century BC. During the Roman Empire,  the variation in decoration increased. Common decorative themes depicted on the discus included entertainment scenes (such as gladiators in combat), common myths and deities, and even animals. Pottery oil lamps could be made in three different ways: handmade, wheel made, or by mould. The use of the mould (which was made from clay or plaster) quickly became popular, because one mould could produce several lamps.

Weight 49.6 g
Dimensions L 8.5 cm
Culture

Region

Pottery and Porcelain

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