Roman Voluted Terracotta Oil Lamp

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue and white detailing; some with impression of timber laths to the reverse. 601 grams total, 4.5-10.6 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

Comprising a dark blue layered chalcedony, engraved with the figure of a horse standing beneath a stylised tree, within which perch two birds, mounted in a later gold ring of broad, flat-shouldered form, engraved with floral and scrollwork motifs; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.33 grams, 20.30 mm overall, 17.24 x 16.55 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13366-257910.

Nicolo’s two-tone effect, with its pale upper layer and darker ground, enhances the depth and clarity of the intaglio engraving.

With transverse bar, D-shaped headplate, D-section body, sleeve finial, extended catch and hinge to the reverse. 6.67 grams, 26 mm



From a continental European collection. From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.