Terracotta lamp
In antiquity, most interior lighting was provided by oil lamps set on stands or suspended by chains or cords. Drinking parties, which were always held at night after dinner, would have been brightly lit by flickering flames. This simple type of lamp has a narrow handle that could be used to hang the lamp from a peg when it was not in use.
Artwork Details
- Title: Terracotta lamp
- Period: Classical
- Date: 5th century BCE
- Culture: Greek, Attic
- Medium: Terracotta; black-glaze
- Dimensions: Overall: 7/8 x 3 1/8 x 4 5/16 in. (2.2 x 8 x 11 cm)
- Classification: Vases
- Credit Line: Gift of Dietrich von Bothmer, 1947
- Object Number: 47.129
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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