Roman Pottery Oil Lamp w/ Bacchus

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. This mold-formed terracotta oil lamp sits on a flattened base with two incised rings. The walls steeply rise to a slightly sloping shoulder with three concentric circles with a recessed tondo. A rounded wick spout with two spiraling volutes borders the neck channel. The deep tondo contains a fill hole and a bas-relief child figure sitting on an a zoomorphic seat. The god’s rounded cherubic features suggest we are looking at a youthful Bacchus. Depicting gods as infants was a popular Roman practice. In addition, the twisting vine and drinking cup motifs are clear references Bacchus. A wonderful Roman oil lamp, replete with strong technique and intriguing iconography. Size: 3.5" W x 1.25" H (8.9 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: ex Property from the George R. Francoeur Trust, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, sold to benefit the George R. Francoeur Scholarship Fund at Cranbrook Academy of Art

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#157146
Condition Report: Loss to base as shown. Repaired with three pieces to rim and spout. Nicks to rim. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Nice areas of detail.