Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A charming cast-bronze dolphin oil lamp lid with a stylized body, arched tail, and mouth terminating in a curved fixture that would have been attached to the top of a bronze oil lamp. Dolphins were a powerful and popular motif in Roman artwork. The Romans were in part a maritime empire, and the iconography of the sea included dolphins, believed to carry souls to the Fortunate Isles, perhaps because they could pass through the air-breathing terrestrial world and into the watery depths that claimed so many Roman sailors' lives. Size: 1.4" W x 3" H (3.6 cm x 7.6 cm); 3.6" H (9.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#142160
Condition
Tip of one tail fin is lost. Otherwise in fine condition with light encrusted patina and deposits.