Rare Signed Oil Lamp with a Victorious Gladiator

Culture: Roman

Period: 2nd century A.D.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 10.5 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 7061

Provenance: French private collection Nicole and Jean-Michel Thierry, acquired on 10 June 1976 from Maitres Albinet et Néret-Minet in Paris, lot A33. With a copy of the relevant auction's catalogue. Thence in a family estate.

Condition: Intact, red slip in some areas rubbed.

Description: Roman, red-slipped oil lamp of the type Loeschke VIII with an exceedingly rare depiction of a victorious gladiator on the mirror. The standing gladiator in full armour with helmet, greaves and shield is turned to the left and holds a large palm branch in his hand as a sign of his triumph. Left of the image area a round pouring hole. The round snout with firing hole is separated from the body by an engraved line. At the back a ring-shaped handle with two small decorative grooves. At the bottom a set off foot ring with the signature of the manufacturer. The mark is blurred, possibly to be read as AVFFRON. The workshop of Aufidius Fronimus worked from 130 to 170 A.D. in northern Africa.