Description

A finely decorated Ancient Roman pottery oil lamp, featuring a pierced, raised and rounded
handle,  a short canal nozzle and one filling hole. The discus displays the depiction of a dancing
figure, surrounded by two concentric circles. The figure is shown wearing a long draped vest and
stepping right while holding a tamborine or a wreath. The movement and dynamism of the figure
are emphasised by the folds of the dress, rendered through a series of engraved lines.

The lamp is marked to the underside with the maker’s mark, ‘MNOVIVST’.
This is a well-known oil lamp manufacturer, Marcus Novius Justus,
who operated a workshop in what is now Tunisia in North Africa during the 2nd Century AD.

cf.  Deneave 717

Length:  11 cms

Condition:  Complete