Description:

Roman, Tunisia, ca. 4th to 5th century CE. Ancient Roman redware pottery oil lamp, found in Tunisia. Mold made with large opening at spout and two vent holes, central discus adorned with a finely delineated wild boar running right that is encircled by a band of intricately detailed and varied geometric decoration. The boar references the Calydonian Boar, a monster of Greek mythology defeated by heroes in the infamous Calydonian Hunt. The story of the Calydonian Boar ignited the ancient Roman imagination as well; in fact, the Roman poet Ovid retold the story passionately in Metamorphoses. Lamps such as this were filled with olive oil in Ancient times and lit by means of a thick wick, which protruded from the nozzle end. The flickering light of the oil lamp was man's primary means of illuminating the darkness in ancient times, long before gas-lamps and modern electricity. Lively example! 5-1/2"L x 3-1/4"W x 2-1/8"H

Provenance: Ex-Harlan J. Berk, Chicago, IL

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  • Condition: Some surface wear and loss of paint as shown. Else intact and excellent condition.

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October 23, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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