Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fantastical double-spouted, cast bronze oil lamp in the form of a bird body. The bird appears to be a pigeon or dove with something grasped in its beak. Dual spouts with flourishes on either side project from the front of the bird. Three bronze linked chains are attached to the bird - one to the front of each wing, and one to the back of the spout - and these meet above its head at a bird-foot shaped hook with a large round loop at its top. Size: 6" L x 4.7" W x 4.7" H (15.2 cm x 11.9 cm x 11.9 cm)

Romans delighted in seeing animals, and a major Roman industry during the imperial period was the capture and transport of birds, mammals, and lizards for display and sport in the Roman arena; art reflected this interest. For example, at Pompeii, there are multiple mosaics depicting well-rendered, lifelike birds engaging in a variety of activities - sitting in trees, warily watching cats, and in the case of one partridge, plucking at a necklace as if to steal it. Pigeons had a special place in the hearts of many Romans, who built columbaria, the predecessor of the modern dovecote, in which to keep the birds. These were said to have windows, running water, and elaborate systems for inserting food. There are even accounts of Romans taking a beloved pet homing pigeon to the theatre and releasing it to demonstrate its skills to their friends.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#133165

Loss to tip of one wing and part of whatever the bird holds in its mouth; otherwise in excellent condition, with a deep, rich green patina. Chain links have slightly bending but are also all in excellent condition.