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Terracotta oil lamp

late 1st century BCE–early 1st century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 168
Loeschcke Type 1A. Mold-made. Deep concave discus: a gladiator, standing facing backward, wearing a crested helmet, short trunks, and boots, and holding a long, rectangular shield in one hand and a weapon (concealed by his body) in the other; single filling hole near center between his legs, surrounded by a broad band of lines and grooves at edge. A funnel-shaped channel, with a small central slit, runs from the discus towards the large wick hole. Volutes flanking angular nozzle. Base ring outlined by two concentric lines.

The gladiator is heavily armed and so can be recognized as a samnis (Samnite) or murmillo. Here, unusually, he is shown as being left-handed.

Complete except for base, which has been carefully cut out, perhaps in antiquity.

On the discus, a gladiator, seen from the rear, advances to the fight away from the viewer. He is heavily armed and so can be recognized as a samnis (Samnite) or murmillo. Here, unusually, he is shown as left-handed.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Terracotta oil lamp
  • Period: Early Imperial
  • Date: late 1st century BCE–early 1st century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Terracotta; mold-made
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 1/4 x 4 1/8in. (3.2 x 10.5cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2027
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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