Terracotta oil lamp

Unknown

ca. 40–100 CE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

Loeschcke Type 1A. Mold-made. Deep concave discus: a sea monster, winged and with a snake-like body, breathes fire (?) before the gate of a walled city, defended by small figures bearing shields and a raised sword; below the monster, rising obliquely from left to right, are waves (?); a single filling hole between monster and city gate, with a band of lines and grooves around the edge. A narrow, funnel-like channel runs from the discus to the back of the nozzle. Volutes flanking angular nozzle, with a large wick hole. Broad, raised base ring, and flat base, with the raised letter T at center. Complete, except for some wear on edge of discus. This lamp, depicting a sea monster before a walled city, is very similar in date, style, and illustration to the lamp 27.94.5 in this case.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 40–100 CE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76