Miniature Roman Oil Lamp (1st Century A.d.) – Numidian Head, Foulcault Collection

A rare small oil lamp from the Roman period, dating to the 1st century AD, notable for its unusual dimensions, which reflect exceptional miniaturism: 4.5 × 5.8 cm.

This object, most likely intended for funerary use, follows the tradition of ancient burial deposits in which certain objects were deliberately made in reduced size (the principle of pars pro toto), rendering them unusable to prevent their theft by grave robbers. It could thus symbolically accompany the deceased into the afterlife.

The lamp also features a unique and uncommon decoration for this type of object: a Numidian head. This motif is more frequently found on bronze objects in antiquity, which enhances the iconographic interest of this specimen.

The example on display comes from the studio of the sculptor Siméon Foucault (1884–1923), winner of the Prix de Rome in 1912. As a resident at the Villa Medici between 1913 and 1914, it is likely that this piece was brought back from Italy during that time, before being added to his studio, where it was kept.

Both an archaeological and historical artifact, this lamp is distinguished by its unusual dimensions, its unique decoration, and its provenance.

Price excludes shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A091

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