Lot 32
**First Time At Auction**
Roman, Eastern Empire, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A titillating terracotta oil lamp of volute form presenting a flat base, a discoid body, a corseted nozzle, and a protruding wick, all enveloped in a vibrant red slip. The ancient piece is adorned with a recessed central tondo featuring the relief image of an erotic scene between 2 lovers. Both nude, one figure kneels atop a bed as his partner places her feet on his shoulders, propping herself up with her arms. Idealized images of sexual intercourse, like this example, were associated with notions of pleasure and elite status throughout the Roman empire, thus, the artist has taken great care to demonstrate the splendor of this image. The placement of the wick hole, below the bed, is additionally an important attribute. The flame's flickering light would have illuminated the figures, making them appear animated, and served as a double entendre - the couple being quite literally in the flames of passion. Size: 4.2" L x 3" W x 1" H (10.7 cm x 7.6 cm x 2.5 cm)
Attitudes towards sexuality in Ancient Rome were far more relaxed than they are in Western culture today and representations of various sexual couplings, settings, and positions were commonly found on objects of daily use, such as ceramic lamps (as seen here), silver cups, engraved gemstones, and wall paintings (most famously depicted in the frescoes of Pompeii and Herculaneum). While this level of uninhibited sexual display may seem grotesque to the modern viewer, all levels of Roman society were quite familiar with encountering sexually explicit images within a domestic setting. As sexual acts themselves were considered a gift from the Roman goddess Venus (Greek Aphrodite), these images were less associated with feelings of sin, guilt, or shame, and more so analogous with notions of delight, nobility, and opulence.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired 1990s; ex private New York, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#166002
- Condition: Expected nicks, chips, abrasions, and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Fire darkening in some areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely earthen encrustations throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |