Lamp, Roman

sketchfab

Mould-made pottery lamp boasts an elegantly crafted nozzle with a rounded tip, flanked by majestic shoulder-volutes that exude a sense of classical sophistication. The rounded shoulder itself is adorned with intricately impressed ovules, adding a touch of whimsy to this already impressive design. A delicate moulded rim completes the look, subtly sloping inward to create a visually appealing contrast. A broken ring-handle adorns the rear of the lamp, providing a functional yet aesthetically pleasing element to the overall design. Between the volutes, a discreet air-hole allows for a smooth flow of air, ensuring that the flame burns brightly and steadily. The discus, a circular surface at the top of the lamp, is a masterpiece of pottery artistry. Two gladiators, one a fearless samnite and the other a skilled hoplomachus, engage in a fierce battle scene, their figures delicately rendered in precise detail. Below them, an inscription proudly displays the names "ACVVIVS.V HERMEROSS", paying tribute to Acuvius and Hermeros, two individuals whose legacy lives on through this exquisite piece of pottery. At the base of the lamp, a slight elevation houses a foot-print, its relief letters telling a story of their own. The entire surface is carefully covered with a finger-marked orange-brown slip, adding a rich texture to an already impressive design. This extraordinary artefact is part of the British Museum's collection, proudly bearing the number 1856,1226.472. The Trustees of the British Museum generously allow this piece to be shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence, giving the public access to its rich history and cultural significance. To learn more about this incredible artefact, visit the official website of the British Museum at https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1856-1226-472.