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LOT 0899
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Bust of Sol
CIRCA MID 1ST CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (54 grams, 84 mm).
Mould made, filling-hole to the centre, slim ogival nozzle with simplified shoulder-volutes, discus iconography a bust of Sol with seven rays
radiating from his head, base with one circular groove and impressed Greek letter H (capital eta).
From a 1990s German collection.
Ex London, UK, gallery.
Cf. Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, nos.244, 249, for the type and the iconography.
FootnotesThe lamp belongs to the Loeschke type V (Bailey type C), group without handle. The main difference of this group from the Loeschke type IV is the shape of the volutes decorating the nozzle. They are called ‘shoulder-volutes’ because they end the lamp’s shoulder that they prolong. The decorative motif is Sol with radiate nimbus, already visible on these lamps and other Roman artworks in mid 1st century A.D.
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
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