Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fascinatingly shaped, well-preserved, cast bronze oil lamp in the form of half of a man’s head, viewed in profile. The other side of the head is flat and undecorated, and was probably once attached to a larger surface. The head features a large, leaf-shaped headdress above carefully depicted hair. A hole in the forehead would allow the placement of oil; a looped handle is behind the headdress. The eye, nose, and ear are all naturalistic and well-rendered. The mouth widens into a spout that hangs down from the bottom of the face. Size: 3.45" W x 6.45" H (8.8 cm x 16.4 cm); 7.85" H (19.9 cm) on included custom stand.

It is strange to see such a form on an oil lamp, and difficult to picture how this was originally used. It may have been applied to another bronze object, like a bowl or other form of vessel, and used to light that. The open base, however, may indicate that the item was never intended to be used. Who does the face represent? The leaf-like headdress suggests that he is a follower of Bacchus, accustomed to a wild life of debauchery in the forest.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#132458

Small area of corrosion underneath the handle. Nice dark blue-green patina on surface, with fine remaining details.