ANCIENT ROMAN TERRACOTTA OIL LAMP WITH HERCULES FIGHTING A BOAR
Ca. 1-200 AD.
A fine terracotta oil lamp with a recessed tondo decorated with low relief depiction of the legendary Greek hero Hercules in the midst of a fierce battle with the Erymanthian Boar. The perimeter is decorated with an intricate and repetitive design and the vessel features a looped handle to the rear. The fourth labor of Hercules tasked the hero with capturing the wild boar. According to the legend, the boar had been wreaking havoc on the countryside, terrorizing the locals. In order to complete his task, Hercules had to venture into the dense dark forest and confront the beast. After a long and grueling battle, Hercules was able to subdue the wild boar.
Size: L:110mm / W:80mm ; 135g
Provenance: Private UK collection since the 1980s.
Estimate: GBP 300 - 600