Loading, please wait...
LOT 0114
Roman Terracotta Foot Lamp
2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (112 grams, 12.2 cm).
Mould-made and shaped as a sandaled left foot, filling-hole surrounded by a ridge in the ankle area, the sandal with two leather straps tied together near the ankle, wick-hole in the big toe; inscription 'ƩΑΛΣΙϹ' to the base, heel chipped.
ProvenanceWith Gorny & Mosch, Auction 194, 14 December 2010, lot 505.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11799-206830.
See Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, no.599, p.438.
FootnotesThis lamp belongs to a type of plastic lamp made in Anatolia and widespread throughout the Eastern Empire. The sandaled foot was part of the classification of plastic lamps dedicated to the representation of the human body. These lamps were the luxuries of the poor, being brought to temples as votive offerings, however some took their place in the domestic lararia, or were kept by children as playthings.
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:
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.
-
Roman Roof Tile Fragment Group
Circa 1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Mainly amorphous, including examples displaying combing or attachment lips. 1.26 kg total, 5.6-13.1 cm
Found Somerset/Devon, UK. -
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising two flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 28.7 grams total, 61-63 mm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples. -
Roman Gold Ring with Oval Bezel
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
With plain ellipsoid integral plaque and slender hoop. 2.99 grams, 21.94 mm overall, 16.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
