Ancient Roman Terracotta Oil lamp depicting an eagle (No Reserve Price)
03
days
17
hours
32
minutes
15
seconds
Current bid
€ 29
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Oil lamp depicting an eagle, a Roman terracotta lamp from the 1st–3rd Century A.D, 24 × 62 × 77 mm, damaged and repaired but in good condition, ex Dutch private collection (acquired 1970–1990) and acquired in 2025; comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
ITEM: Oil lamp depicting an eagle
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 24 mm x 62 mm x 77 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990
Roman oil lamps, known as "lucernae," were a vital aspect of daily life in ancient Rome, serving as the primary source of artificial light. These lamps were typically made from clay, although bronze and other metals were sometimes used for more elaborate and expensive versions. The basic design of a Roman oil lamp included a reservoir to hold the oil, a wick inserted into a nozzle or spout, and often a handle for carrying. The simplicity and functionality of these lamps made them indispensable household items, used for lighting homes, streets, and public spaces, as well as for religious and funerary purposes.
The production and design of Roman oil lamps evolved over time, reflecting changes in technology, fashion, and social practices. Early Roman lamps were generally simple and utilitarian, but as the craft developed, they became more decorative and complex. Molds were used to mass-produce lamps with intricate designs and motifs, ranging from geometric patterns to detailed scenes from mythology, daily life, and nature. These decorations not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the lamps but also made them objects of cultural and artistic significance. Lamps could feature imagery of gods and goddesses, animals, gladiatorial combat, and erotic scenes, providing insights into Roman beliefs, values, and everyday activities.
Roman oil lamps also held significant symbolic and ritual importance. In religious contexts, lamps were used in temples and household shrines, serving as offerings to deities and symbols of divine presence. They played a crucial role in various ceremonies and rituals, including funerary practices where lamps were placed in tombs to light the way for the deceased in the afterlife.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Oil lamp depicting an eagle
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 24 mm x 62 mm x 77 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990
Roman oil lamps, known as "lucernae," were a vital aspect of daily life in ancient Rome, serving as the primary source of artificial light. These lamps were typically made from clay, although bronze and other metals were sometimes used for more elaborate and expensive versions. The basic design of a Roman oil lamp included a reservoir to hold the oil, a wick inserted into a nozzle or spout, and often a handle for carrying. The simplicity and functionality of these lamps made them indispensable household items, used for lighting homes, streets, and public spaces, as well as for religious and funerary purposes.
The production and design of Roman oil lamps evolved over time, reflecting changes in technology, fashion, and social practices. Early Roman lamps were generally simple and utilitarian, but as the craft developed, they became more decorative and complex. Molds were used to mass-produce lamps with intricate designs and motifs, ranging from geometric patterns to detailed scenes from mythology, daily life, and nature. These decorations not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the lamps but also made them objects of cultural and artistic significance. Lamps could feature imagery of gods and goddesses, animals, gladiatorial combat, and erotic scenes, providing insights into Roman beliefs, values, and everyday activities.
Roman oil lamps also held significant symbolic and ritual importance. In religious contexts, lamps were used in temples and household shrines, serving as offerings to deities and symbols of divine presence. They played a crucial role in various ceremonies and rituals, including funerary practices where lamps were placed in tombs to light the way for the deceased in the afterlife.
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
1st - 3rd Century A.D
Name of object
Oil lamp depicting an eagle
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Damaged
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
