ticketsMember | Make a donation

Terracotta oil lamp

4th–5th century CE
Not on view
Vessberg Type 18. Unpierced handle. Mold-made. Discus: victorious racehorse running left and wearing ornate collar, with palm branch above head, flanked to either side by herringbone wreath. Above horse: indistinct letters; below horse: indistinct letters. Two large filling holes above and below horse. On shoulder, vine tendril with stylized bunches of grapes. On undefined, slightly concave base, in relief Greek letters: EYTYXHTOC.

Intact, except for slight surface losses at right. Sooting around nozzle. Pale buff clay.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta oil lamp
  • Period: Late Imperial
  • Date: 4th–5th century CE
  • Culture: Roman, Cypriot
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 3/8 x 3 1/8 in. (3.5 x 7.9 cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2249
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Terracotta lamp mold
1st–2nd century CE
Terracotta oil lamp in the shape of a boat
2nd century CE
Terracotta lead-glazed lamp
1st half of 2nd century CE
Terracotta hanging lamp in the form of a comic actor
2nd century CE
Terracotta lamp handle
ca. 25–75 CE

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.

Send feedback