Ancient Roman Oil Lamp with Gladiator Head, Maker GABINIA
17
days
10
hours
59
minutes
46
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,100 - € 1,400
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Ancient Roman terracotta oil lamp by GABINIA, with a helmeted gladiator head on the discus and a galea crest, Loeschcke type IV, about 93.7 mm long and 65.3 mm in diameter, dating to the 1st century AD and described as intact, uncleaned with fire staining.
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Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Fantastic ancient Roman terracotta oil lamp, the discus depicts the helmeted head of a gladiator. The richly decorated helmet, known as the galea, features its characteristic long crest which shows exceptional retention of details. The image is framed by three concentric circles and the lamps two volutes are placed between the discus and nozzle. the reverse features the incused name GABINIA which indicates the maker of the lamp.
Length: ± 93,7 mm
Diameter: ± 65,3 mm
Ref: Loeschcke type IV. Very rare lamp with interesting iconography.
Intact uncleaned condition. Sharp and detailed helmeted head. Dark staining caused by a fire in ancient times which gives this lamp an additional cachet. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
-> Clay lamps were first developed in the Bronze Age, initially designed as open bowl-like vessels. Over time, they evolved into more enclosed forms to prevent oil spills and were crafted using various methods: hand moulding, wheel throwing, and mould production.
The use of moulds for lamp-making became prominent during the Hellenistic period (323–31 BCE). Lamps were typically created with two-piece moulds, forming the lamp's upper and lower sections. The top mould often included intricate relief designs that were imprinted onto the clay. This method sped up production and also allowed to add more decoration to the surface of the clay.
Oil lamps were particularly popular in the Mediterranean region, where olive oil was abundant and served as an efficient fuel source. Other plant-based oils and animal fats may also have been used. To light the lamps, wicks made from materials like plant fibers, papyrus, or linen were inserted.
Beyond domestic use, oil lamps illuminated various settings. They were essential at Roman festivals, in the vast interiors of temples and religious sanctuaries, and in dark spaces like catacombs. In ancient Rome, lamps were sometimes offered as votive gifts to deities. Additionally, they served as grave goods in tombs, symbolizing light for the afterlife.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Fantastic ancient Roman terracotta oil lamp, the discus depicts the helmeted head of a gladiator. The richly decorated helmet, known as the galea, features its characteristic long crest which shows exceptional retention of details. The image is framed by three concentric circles and the lamps two volutes are placed between the discus and nozzle. the reverse features the incused name GABINIA which indicates the maker of the lamp.
Length: ± 93,7 mm
Diameter: ± 65,3 mm
Ref: Loeschcke type IV. Very rare lamp with interesting iconography.
Intact uncleaned condition. Sharp and detailed helmeted head. Dark staining caused by a fire in ancient times which gives this lamp an additional cachet. Signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
-> Clay lamps were first developed in the Bronze Age, initially designed as open bowl-like vessels. Over time, they evolved into more enclosed forms to prevent oil spills and were crafted using various methods: hand moulding, wheel throwing, and mould production.
The use of moulds for lamp-making became prominent during the Hellenistic period (323–31 BCE). Lamps were typically created with two-piece moulds, forming the lamp's upper and lower sections. The top mould often included intricate relief designs that were imprinted onto the clay. This method sped up production and also allowed to add more decoration to the surface of the clay.
Oil lamps were particularly popular in the Mediterranean region, where olive oil was abundant and served as an efficient fuel source. Other plant-based oils and animal fats may also have been used. To light the lamps, wicks made from materials like plant fibers, papyrus, or linen were inserted.
Beyond domestic use, oil lamps illuminated various settings. They were essential at Roman festivals, in the vast interiors of temples and religious sanctuaries, and in dark spaces like catacombs. In ancient Rome, lamps were sometimes offered as votive gifts to deities. Additionally, they served as grave goods in tombs, symbolizing light for the afterlife.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1st century AD
Name of object
Oil Lamp with Gladiator Head, Maker GABINIA
Acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Year acquired
2024
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Previous owner - year acquired
2024
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
