Loading, please wait...
LOT 0654
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Leaping Ibex
2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (110 grams, 10.5 cm).
With a lug handle to the rear, discus with a leaping long-horned ibex within a concentric circle border; concentric circles to base; repaired.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market, 1980s.
English private collection.
Cf. Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, no.402, Loeschcke VIII; Bussière form D IX 2b.
FootnotesThis lamp belongs to the group of provincial African lamps with a plain shoulder and a heart-shaped nozzle. The shoulder form of the lamps (irrespective of African, Italic, or eastern place of manufacture or origin) varies widely. Some of them had undecorated shoulders, like our example. Discus decors include mythology, amphitheatre, daily life, animals (our example), geometric patterns and plain discus.
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 Terracotta Oil Lamp with Wreath
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Lug handle to rear, deep discus with a dome filling hole, another filling hole to the side; wide shoulder with low-relief laurel wreath; low basal ring and incised maker's mark in Greek letters (ΗΙϹΧΛ). 138 grams, 11.8 cm
Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.
This form of lamps is characterised by their shoulder decoration - a laurel wreath. This decoration may be treated realistically or be stylised. Both groups appear on lamps found in Italy. The hypothesis that they might only be African imports is contradicted by the signature on many lamps of L.C A E S A E, a prolific Italic lamp maker (late Antonine and early Severan); his products are scarce in North Africa. -
Roman Bronze Dolphin Figure
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Hollow to the underside with rectangular-section tapering panel, S-curved dolphin with prominent dorsal fin, low-relief eyes; probably a furniture fitting. 129 grams, 96 mm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. -
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Amuletic fascinum formed as a crescent with phallus to the right, hand in the fica gesture to the left and male genitals below; each with a loop beneath for attachment of another pendant; large loop above and attachment strap with stud. 81.5 grams, 68 mm
Acquired in Europe in 1990s. European private collection.
