Roman Bronze Oil Lamp

This pear-shape oil lamp dates to the Roman era. The arched handle terminates in a horse-head finial emerging from a leafy wreath. The horse’s features are naturalistically rendered with flaring nostrils and the mouth slightly ajar. The facial muscles are well-defined and a thick curly mane runs back along the neck. The body of the lamp is set on a low foot ring with a circular filling hole and an extended nozzle. The majority of oil lamps in the ancient world were made from clay, and only the wealthy could have afforded such a luxurious bronze example. The beauty of the lamp lies in the simplicity of its form, particularly the curve of the handle, and the sensitive treatment of the horse.

Close full details