The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 18, 2025

Oil Lamp

c. 50 BCE–50 CE

Roman, late Republican-early Imperial

(c. 50 BCE – 50 CE)
Bronze, cast
Overall: 28.7 x 17.8 cm (11 5/16 x 7 in.)
Gift of Barbara S. Robinson and Family 2023.104
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

When used, this lamp likely hung from the ceiling or stood on a tall lampstand.

Description

This large and ornate cast bronze oil lamp features a central hole for filling and a single spout for its wick. Its extravagant handle rises to create both a loop and a sort of hook, one or both of which may have served to suspend the lamp when lit. Alternatively, the lamp may have stood on its own, perhaps atop a tall lampstand. While its primary function may have been for lighting dark spaces, this lamp must also have served an ornamental purpose.
  • Holger von Grawert, Germany
    -2005
    F.A.C. Kunsthandel (Wolfgang Wilhelm), Frankfurt, Germany, sold to Mrs. Barbara Robinson
    2005-2023
    Mrs. Barbara Robinson, Cleveland, OH, gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2023-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Oil Lamp|url=false|author=|year=c. 50 BCE–50 CE|access-date=18 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2023.104