Roman Erotic Leda and the Swan Terracotta Oil Lamp

With a long canal nozzle with volutes, discus with one filling hole and three concentric lines enclosing a central scene of Leda and the swan, softly rendered anatomical details and carefully modelled plumage; two old stickers to base. 74 grams, 11.7 cm



From the collection of Arno Jumpertz, Leverkusen, Germany, 1924-1984; much of the collection was exhibited at the Neus Museum, 1985. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.

The lamp's style refers to the Loeschcke type I, a style popular during the Augustan and Imperial times.

Mould-blown from translucent glass, the globular body on a circular flat base tapering at the shoulders to a cylindrical neck with an everted rim; a single applied handle; the body decorated with a horizontal band of a continuous Vitruvian wave framed by a double circumferential line, decorative ridges above and below; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 16.7 grams, 66 mm (33.9 grams total, 79.4 mm high including stand)



From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1948-2000. Ex J.L. collection Surrey, UK.

The pitcher belongs to a late Roman group decorated with granulated circles forming like volutes. The shape of these globular pitchers is well known since the 1st-2nd century A.D., with the rim folded up and the handle applied to the shoulders, but the decoration is more typical of a later age.

From the yoke of a chariot comprising a D-section ring, collar and knop-ended crescents, broad pierced lateral flanges. 365 grams, 16.5 cm



Reputed to have been excavated near Viables in Hampshire at the end of the 19th century. From the estate of the late Jennifer Simmonds. Acquired from Jacobs & Hunt auctioneers, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.