Roman Small Terracotta Oil Lamp with Theatre Mask of Silenus, c. 2nd century B.C./1st century A.D.

(Miniature Oil Lamp)

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Item No.

33.37192

Culture

Roman, c. 2nd century B.C./1st century A.D. 

Item Details.

Hollow-formed with long nozzle extending from the fleshy mouth, crown of foliage, smaller nozzle and filler-hole to the brow, raised ring to the base, a theatre mask or face of Silenus.
Lamps with figurines first appeared in the Hellenistic period, possibly originating in Athens. Found in all parts of the Mediterranean basin, they were particularly popular during the first and second centuries A.D. The Silenus face types were linked to the Bacchic cult. The crown of leaves and fruit across the forehead alludes to Bacchus or one of his followers.

Provenance: Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Literature: Cf. Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, p.435 and 440, nos.594, 602-603, for similar specimens.

Size

7.2 cm L - 2 13/16 inches

Material

Terracotta 

Condition

Intact 

Categories

Oil Lamps

Price.

US$ 900

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