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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1960.577
Title
Lamp: discus fragment with erotic scene
Classification
Lighting Devices
Work Type
lighting device
Date
1st century
Period
Roman Imperial period, Early
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/290620

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Terracotta
Technique
Mold-made
Dimensions
diameter: 6 cm

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of David M. Robinson
Accession Year
1960
Object Number
1960.577
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
Fragment of a discus, slightly concave, chipped on one end. The discus is surrounded by a double groove and is decorated with a scene of lovemaking involving three (?) people. Light pinkish buff clay with no remaining glaze.

Depictions of lovemaking were frequent in Roman art, both public and private, appearing especially in dining settings, including on cups and frescoed walls, in public baths, and on common household items, such as lamps and ceramics. The form of this lamp corresponds with Broneer Type 22.

Publication History

  • Fogg Art Museum, The David Moore Robinson Bequest of Classical Art and Antiquities, A Special Exhibition, exh. cat., Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, 1961), p. 39, no. 342

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu