Artifact – Antiquity – Terracotta Oil Lamp – Imperial Eagle – Roman Empire

Dating: Circa 150 – 250 AD Origin: Proconsular Africa or Roman Syria Provenance: Private collection, Auvergne – Haute-Loire The Eagle and the Empire – Symbol of Heavenly and Earthly Power in Roman Culture This Roman oil lamp in orange-red terracotta belongs to the types with a figurative medallion widely distributed in the 2nd – 3rd centuries in the eastern and North African provinces of the Empire. It has a perforated vertical handle, a simple rounded spout, and a molded decorated disc. The medallion depicts a standing eagle, wings folded, facing right. A prominent symbol of imperial power, the eagle (aquila) evokes the strength of the legionary, the omnipresence of Rome, and the divine values of earthly power. In the funerary context, it also refers to the elevation of the soul, escorted towards the ether. The circular base bears a clear hallmark inscribed in capital letters, probably a workshop name, still legible. Two holes are present on the disc (filling and ventilation). The object has a dry, slightly chalky patina and consistent traces of wear. The central decoration remains legible despite slight wear to the reliefs. This piece belongs to the corpus of lamps with imperial iconography and may have been used in both public and private spaces, for decorative or votive purposes. Description Material: Orange-red terracotta, dry patina Shape: Rounded oval, simple spout, pierced vertical handle Decoration: • Medallion representing a standing imperial eagle • Smooth circular disc, with double orifice • Workshop mark visible under the base Technique: Bivalve molding Condition Very good general condition Reliefs partially dulled by use Legible decoration, homogeneous patina, blackened spout Dimensions Length: 10.5 cm Bibliography consulted Bussière (2000): Antique lamps from Algeria, Montagnac Bailey (1980): A Catalogue of the Lamps in the British Museum, London Deneauve (1969): Lamps of Carthage, Paris Chrzanovski (2006): Light! Lighting in Antiquity, Milan Loeschcke (1919): Lamps from Vindonissa, Zurich ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY.