Object Description
A Roman terracotta oil lamp with a decorated concave discus and a ring handle with two grooves on the upper part of the lamp. Within its centre is a concave discus, decorated with an heterosexual, erotic scene. It depicts a woman, seen lying on a bed, her torso and back raised and supported by the oppulent bed. Her male companion is situated between her legs, resting on his knees. He grasps both of the women’s legs, underneath her bent knees,to support his weight. He leans forward, into her embrace, depicted entwined in a kiss. The woman’s left arm grasps the back of the man’s head, as their eyes lock. For such a small surface, the scene is richly decorated and clear. The detailing can be seen in the lavish drapery of the bed clothes and the elegant chignon of the lady’s hair. Surrounding the discus is a circular narrow band, marked by two grooves and intercepted by rectangular panels at each side. A band of ovolos decorates the flat shoulders. The nozzle is kite shaped, merging into the band around the discus, and rounded at the base. The lamp sits on a flat base, marked off by a single, circular groove. Within the circle is an incuse maker’s mark, written in Greek letters. The name is not fully decipherable but appears to begin: ΓΑΛΗΝ[…]. This lamp is categorised as type Broneer XXVII C, characterised by the flat shoulders, ovolo decoration, kite-shaped nozzle and grooved handle.
Date: Circa late 2nd – 3rd Century AD