Candelabrum
Unknown Artist
100–1 BCE
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
h. 137.4 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1953.11
About this artwork
This bronze is a candelabrum, or ancient lamp stand. A long, fluted column extends from a base on lion or panther paw feet, with ivy leaves between. Atop the column sits a miniature bronze krater, a mixing vessel for wine, with a circular top which supports a separately made lamp. Wealthy Romans would light their homes with bronze oil lamps. The small, portable lamps would be placed on lampstands like this one to light larger spaces.