Object Description
A fine Late Roman North African terracotta oil lamp featuring a circular body with a decorated discus, a short canal nozzle, rounded nozzle, and narrow lug handle. The shoulders of the oil lamp are decorated with deep grooves and raised ridges, following the shape of the discus and nozzle. Two filling holes, one between Juno and Minerva, above the former’s arm and below the latter’s elbow, and another between the feet of Minerva and Venus, perforate the discus. The lamp sits on a flattened circular base. On the concave discus, the three major goddesses of the Roman pantheon are depicted.
Juno is seated upon a throne in the left field, facing the other two goddesses. Her head is shown in profile while her torso is presented frontally. Much attention has been paid to the details of the throne, which is raised upon a stepped platform and features highly decorated legs. Her hair has been tied in a low bun, and she is crowned with the polos (πόλος), a high cylindrical crown, representing her role as Juno Regina, the queen of the Roman gods. She is shown draped, wearing a long dress, with her right arm bent and raised behind her, while her left arm is extended before her, resting on her knee. Minerva has been depicted in the centre of the discus, wearing a short, one-shouldered chiton and a plumed helmet. She stands with her feet slightly apart, leaning on her right leg and her left leg slightly bent. Both her arms are bent at the elbow, though her right arm is raised and her left arm is shown at her side, with cloth draped over the forearm. Though her body is turned slightly to face Juno, her head faces Venus, who is also depicted standing. Leaning on her right leg and with her left leg relaxed, the goddess takes on a beautiful, curving contrapposto pose, with the rich drapery of her long dress further emphasising the goddess’ sensual nature. Both of Venus’ arms are bent at the elbow and raised. Her head faces the two goddesses before her, with her hair tied in a low bun.
This lamp bears resemblance to Atlanta type VI lamps, categorised by the evolving discus to a channelled nozzle, typical of late Roman Christian lamps.
Date: Circa 4th-5th Century AD