Ancient Roman Picture lamp with Isis and Serapis - 118 mm

Roman terracotta oil lamp from North Africa with a figurative depiction of the Egyptian-Roman deities Isis and Serapis, Roman imperial period, 1st–2nd century AD. The lamp, made of reddish-beige clay, has a rounded body with a recessed disc, an extending snout with the wick opening, and a high-arched handle. On the disc are antithetically arranged busts of Isis on the left and Serapis on the right. The two deities were among the most important figures of Egyptian cults in the Roman Empire. Between and below the busts lies the central filling hole. Remains of a reddish surface finish or engobe are preserved, especially on the disc. Comparable lamps depicting Isis and Serapis are known from Roman North Africa; similar North African-Roman specimens have also been offered on Catawiki. Material: Terracotta, reddish-beige clay Dimensions: 118 × 85 × 48 mm Dating: 1st–2nd century AD Origin: North Africa Literature / comparison: E.-M. Cahn-Klaiber, The Ancient Clay Lamps of the Archaeological Institute of the University of Tübingen (1977), No. 308. Condition: Assembled from several fragments. Cracks and small losses Provenance: Acquired in 2026 from the German art trade, previously since before 2000 in private collection H. L., Rhineland Invoice available and will be provided to the buyer as a copy.

Estimate:£293.15

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