Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0118
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Erotic Scene
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (64 grams, 95 mm).
Squat burnished pottery lamp with stub nozzle, high-relief scene of two lovers on a couch; maker's mark 'LMVNSVC' to the underside.
Provenance
From the collection of French archaeologist Suzanne Gozlan (1921-2022).
Literature
Cf. Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, 2017, figs.181-183, for similar.
Footnotes
The lamp belongs to the Bailey type B group ii (Loeschke type IV), usually dated from Tiberian to Trajanic times. Erotic lamps were particularly popular before the Christianisation of the Roman Empire. Roman sexuality differed considerably from later Christian European attitudes. Roman religion promoted sexuality as one of the fundamental aspects of prosperity for the entire state; individuals could turn to private religious practice, or even magic, to improve their erotic life or health and reproductive capacity; moreover, prostitution in ancient Rome was legal, public and widespread. Artistic subjects that today we would define without hesitation as pornography, were present among the art collections of the most respectable and high status Roman families.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Ring with Sol Gemstone
Circa 1st century B.C.-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
With inset carnelian cloison, intaglio Sol standing with whip. 5.17 grams, 20.88 mm overall, 17.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Silver Armilla Bracelet with Paddle Terminals
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With slender D-section shank flaring to large lobe terminals, transverse incised lines to the neck, pointillé coiled tendril design. 11.7 grams, 58 mm
Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s. -
.jpg)
Roman Bronze Phallic Seal Box
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Piriform two-part container with three holes to the underside, hinge to the broad end, obverse with ropework border and stylised phallus in high-relief. 9.97 grams, 38 mm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.
