The Classical World

A Large ‘FAVSTI’ Oil Lamp

CHF 2.500,-

$ 2.739£ 2.235€ 2.586

Terracotta
Roman, 1st century BC/AD
L. 31cm

An impressively large Augustan Period terracotta oil lamp manufactured by FAVSTI (as the inscription on the base proclaims proudly). Terracotta lamps, such as this, survive in great numbers from the ancient world. Their utilitarian nature imparts a wonderfully human quotidien touch – these were objects used and treasured – and remain viscerally relatable for us today. Donald Bailey (famed curator emeritus at the British Museum) supposes the workshop was Italian in origin, later relocating to Petra and Egypt. A large quantity of FAVSTI oil lamps were also found in Cyprus including those of the Cesnola Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Condition: Restored

Provenance: Formerly, priv. coll. of Ambassador G. P., nr. 126, before 1965.

Item reference: CL0744

A Large ‘FAVSTI’ Oil Lamp

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