Roman FORTIS Terracotta Oil Lamp

LATE 1ST CENTURY A.D.

3 3/4 in. (77.7 grams, 96 mm).

A factory lamp with flat-topped oval body, broad flat shoulder and small concave plain discus; flat bottom with Latin inscription 'FORTIS'. [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the collection of a High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman, circa 2000.

Literature

Cf. identical lamp with similar inscription in the Museum of Bologna (Italy), inventory no.6259.

Footnotes

At the end of the 1st century B.C., in the Po Valley, began the industrial production of Firmalampen, i.e. lamps signed on the bottom in relief noting the place of production or fabrica. The signature FORTIS, visible on this specimen, is one of the most documented and is attributable to the workshop of L. Aemilius Fortis, recently discovered to have been in Mutina (Modena).

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

Live Bidding

LOT 0696