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.

Provenance

Acquired 1960s-1990s.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Literature

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.

Footnotes

Lamps 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.

CONDITION

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LOT 0065