3-037-031 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Lamp, 1st century A.D. Additional Info: Moldmade. Both incense-burner and lighting device are in the shape of a four-sided altar, its front divided into three parts of an architectural nature, resting on a three-stepped platform. Central arched niche with enthroned Jupiter, bare-chested with mantle over left shoulder; drapery fastened at waist, several folds around and between legs; he is bearded and wears a diadem; his right hand holds a patera; sandaled feet on footstool; the throne has a high backrest and elaborately carved front ends: opposed curled volutes and rosettes. The central niche is flanked by two pilasters with horizontal moldings; one figure stands in front of each, turning toward center; at left, nude Mercury with caduceus, winged sandals, and mantle(?) hanging behind him from the shoulder; at right, a helmeted Minerva, Gorgoneion on chest, leans on a spear.The upper section of the artifact consists of a central rectangular basin for burning incense; its front is decorated with an eight-pointed star in the middle, flanked by two resting eagles looking in opposite directions.