Oil Lamp
Unknown Artist
c. 50 BCE–50 CE
Medium
Bronze, cast
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.287,"width":0.178}}
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Barbara S. Robinson and Family
Accession Number
2023.104
About this artwork
This large and ornate cast bronze oil lamp features a central hole for filling and a single spout for its wick. Its extravagant handle rises to create both a loop and a sort of hook, one or both of which may have served to suspend the lamp when lit. Alternatively, the lamp may have stood on its own, perhaps atop a tall lampstand. While its primary function may have been for lighting dark spaces, this lamp must also have served an ornamental purpose.