Object Description
A small Roman terracotta oil lamp featuring a large, rounded body with a rounded nozzle. A lug handle is placed at the rear of the lamp. The discus is decorated with Cupid, in deep relief, carrying the club of Herakles in his left hand, and his arrow in his right; the symbolism between these two items implies that love can subdue even the strongest hero. Concentric circles frame the discus. A maker’s mark has been stamped on the reverse. This type of lamp is known as Loeschcke VIII (Bussiére form D II 1), of which had many variants.
Date: Circa 80-180 AD