Lot 33A
Ancient Rome, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A blackware oil lamp, the discus impressed with a fine relief of Jupiter in all his glory and an eagle holding reeds to make a victory wreath. Mold-made oil lamps were fixtures of everyday life in ancient Rome and the more precious examples featured significant iconographical programs as we see in this example. The eagle served as Jupiter's messenger and also carried the youth Ganymede to Olympus where he acted as god's cupbearer. According to the ancient philosopher, author, and naval and army commander Pliny the Elder, the eagle was one of the signa militaria or military symbols. Michele Asuni of Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum writes, "As a symbol of Jupiters authority, an eagle would be set free during the consecration of an emperora ritual that culminated in his apotheosis. By flying into the air, the eagle was believed to carry the soul of the deified emperor to heaven, thus securing him a place among the gods." (http://archaeologicalmuseum.jhu.edu/the-collection/object-stories/the-roman-house-at-hopkins/the-art-of-light/jupiter-and-eagle/). A finely executed example displaying important mythological iconography. Size: 5.25" L x 3.5" W x 2" H (13.3 cm x 8.9 cm x 5.1 cm)
Provenance: Private Arizona collection
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#100119
- Condition: Tiny nick to incised circle surrounding discus. Minor surface wear. Overall good/excellent
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |