Lamp, late 1st century B.C.–early 1st century A.D.; Early Imperial
Roman
Terracotta, mold-made; H. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm), Diam. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
The Cesnola Collection, purchased by subscription, 1874–76 (74.51.2027)
Technical Glossary
Roman
Terracotta, mold-made; H. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm), Diam. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
The Cesnola Collection, purchased by subscription, 1874–76 (74.51.2027)
On the discus of this oil lamp, a gladiator, seen from the rear, advances to the fight. He is heavily armed, with a helmet, shield, and greaves, and so can be recognized as either a secutor or a murmillo. Here, unusually, he is shown as lefthanded. Pottery lamps depicting events from the amphitheater have been found all around the Roman empire (in the Museum's collection, see also 74.51.1850, 74.51.2022, and 17.194.883).
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Related Index Terms
Geography/Place
Material and Technique
- • Ceramic, Unglazed
- • Ceramic, Unglazed, Europe
- • Sculpture, In the Round, Europe
- • Sculpture, in the Round, Europe, Italian Peninsula
