Terracotta oil lamp
Loeschcke Type 1A. Mold-made. Discus: a rhinoceros stands, facing right, tossing with its horn a large cat, probably a lion, while a small animal, possibly meant to be a baby rhino, hides in a tree behind and above; a single filling hole below the rhinoceros's belly, with a band of lines and grooves around edge. Volutes flanking angular nozzle. Raised base ring, outlined by two incised circles, and a flat base with the marker's mark impressed across it, reading in Latin: FAVSTI.
Intact.
On the discus a rhinoceros is shown tossing with its horn a large cat, probably a lion, while a small animal, possibly meant to be a baby rhino, hides in a tree behind. The rhinoceros, unknown in the Mediterranean world before Roman times, is only rarely depicted in Roman art and on coins; it is shown, for example, on the Roman mosaic from Lod, Israel. The base is inscribed FAVSTI ([of the lamp maker] Faustus); he seems to have worked in Italy, Egypt, and Petra (Jordan), as well as Cyprus.
Intact.
On the discus a rhinoceros is shown tossing with its horn a large cat, probably a lion, while a small animal, possibly meant to be a baby rhino, hides in a tree behind. The rhinoceros, unknown in the Mediterranean world before Roman times, is only rarely depicted in Roman art and on coins; it is shown, for example, on the Roman mosaic from Lod, Israel. The base is inscribed FAVSTI ([of the lamp maker] Faustus); he seems to have worked in Italy, Egypt, and Petra (Jordan), as well as Cyprus.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta oil lamp
- Period: Early Imperial, Julio-Claudian
- Date: 1st half of 1st century CE
- Culture: Roman, Cypriot
- Medium: Terracotta
- Dimensions: Overall: 1 1/8 x 4 in. (2.9 x 10.2 cm)
- Classification: Terracottas
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.2162
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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