Roman Pottery Lamp with Eros

$404.15

A finely potted Roman terracotta oil lamp, the discus of which depicts the charming scene of a chubby Eros pulling on the horns of a goat. The lamp has an ovolo design around the perimeter; a small circular nozzle, and a ring handle at the back.

Date: 1st - 2nd Century AD
Provenance: From the collection of Arno Jumpertz, Leverkusen, Germany, 1924-1984. Much of the collection was exhibited at Neus museum, 1985.
Condition: Very fine condition

SOLD

SKU: AS-3712 Category: Tags: , ,

‘Eros’ as a force of physical desire dates back at least as far as the works of Homer, but the concept of Eros quickly became more refined, being to the classical Greeks a personified deity of exceptional beauty and playfulness. His depiction on this pottery lamp, seen pulling on the horns of a goat, is indeed testament to his cheeky character. Eros’ tricks were typically played on lovers, using his arrows to manipulate romantic situations, and to punish those who resisted his efforts.

For more information about the meanings of animals in Roman art, see our relevant blog post: Animal Symbolism in Roman Art.

Weight 35 g
Dimensions L 9.8 cm
Culture

Region

Pottery and Porcelain

Greek Mythology