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LOT 0065
Roman Miniature Terracotta Oil Lamp with Theatre Mask
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (24.3 grams, 72 mm).
Hollow-formed with long nozzle extending from the fleshy mouth, crown of foliage; smaller nozzle and filler-hole to the brow; raised ring to the base; a theatre mask or face of Silenus.
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1990s.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Cf. Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, p.435 and 440, nos.594, 602-603, for similar specimens.
FootnotesLamps with figurines first appeared in the Hellenistic period, possibly originating in Athens. Found in all parts of the Mediterranean basin, they were particularly popular during the first and second centuries A.D. The Silenus face types were linked to the Bacchic cult. The crown of leaves and fruit across the forehead alludes to Bacchus or one of his followers.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Roman Enamelled Bronze Disc Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Complete with pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse, displaying a floral design with remains of polychrome enamelling. 12.16 grams, 32 mm
Acquired from Gary Edwards at York Antiques Centre. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Gary Edwards. -
Roman Glass Bead Necklace
2nd-5th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £46
Composed of graduated monochrome opaque black glass beads of various types, including amorphous, facetted, spherical, carinated and other types; restrung. 16.8 grams, 80 cm long
Ex W.J. collection, 1990s. -
Roman Redware Sherd with Constantinian Portraits
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
From the upper part of the vessel, displaying a frieze of profile busts and figural scenes within roundels, winged Victory holding a wreath and standing on globe between the roundels; the central roundel with Sol Invictus and a sun chariot. 155 grams, 18.5 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
This terra sigillata fragment appears to have been part of a large tray, celebrating the imperial triumph of an early 4th century emperor, possibly Constantine or a member of his family such as Crispus. The combination of triumphal symbols (palms, quadriga, radiated crown) with imperial figures is typical of the tetrarchy and early Constantinian era, where elements of dying paganism were still used to celebrate imperial glory. Note the detailed late Roman clothing, with a closed chlamys-paludamentum on the right shoulder and, in the profile figure, a thorax with hemispherical shoulder protections.
