Lamp: erotic scene, probably modern | Harvard Art Museums

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Identification and Creation

Object Number: 1926.21.22
Title: Lamp: erotic scene, probably modern
Classification: Lighting Devices
Work Type: lighting device
Date: 1st century
Places: Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe
Period: Roman Imperial period, Early
Culture: Roman
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/291988

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Terracotta
Technique: Mold-made
Dimensions: actual: 3.2 x 10.2 x 6.7 cm (1 1/4 x 4 x 2 5/8 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line: Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Percy S. Straus
Accession Year: 1926
Object Number: 1926.21.22
Division: Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact: am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description: Mold-made lamp with voluted rounded-tipped nozzle, grooved handle at the rear. The lamp stands on a slightly raised, circular base. The shoulder is rounded, and a circular groove surrounds a concave discus. The discus is decorated with a scene of lovemaking featuring a male-female pair on a bed; the woman is kneeling on her left leg, supports herself on her hands, and looks back at her partner; the man is kneeling and approaches the woman from behind, holding her right leg above his head. There is a filling hole at the bottom of the discus beneath the decoration. The clay fabric is reddish brown. It is notably smooth with evident brush strokes, lending to the likelihood that the lamp is modern. The discus decoration is known from first-century CE Roman lamps; cf. British Museum, 1814,0704.35.

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 Loeschcke Type IV.

Subjects and Contexts

Roman Domestic Art

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be 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