ITEM: Oil lamp depicting a erotic scene, Type Bussière B III 1b
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 14 - 117 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 24 mm x 82 mm x 117 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, Montauban, acquired between 1980 – 1990.
PARALLEL: OZIOL, T., Salamine de Chypre. VII. Les lampes du Musée de Chypre, Pl. 21, Fig. 395 and 396

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Roman oil lamps are fascinating artifacts that provide valuable insights into the daily life, customs, and artistic tastes of ancient Rome. These lamps were commonly used for illumination in households, public spaces, and religious settings during the Roman Empire, which spanned from approximately 27 BCE to 476 CE. While many Roman oil lamps featured traditional decorative motifs such as geometric patterns, floral designs, or mythological scenes, some lamps depicted erotic imagery, reflecting the Romans' fascination with sexuality and sensuality.

The depiction of erotic scenes on Roman oil lamps was not uncommon, and such imagery served various purposes. In some cases, these lamps were used as decorative items in private residences, where they could be displayed as conversation pieces or objects of curiosity. The presence of erotic imagery on oil lamps may have also served a practical function, as the lighting of lamps during intimate gatherings or romantic encounters could create a mood of intimacy and sensuality.

The artistic portrayal of erotic scenes on Roman oil lamps reveals the broader cultural attitudes towards sexuality and desire in ancient Rome. While Roman society was generally more permissive regarding sexual matters compared to some other ancient cultures, attitudes towards sexuality varied depending on social class, gender, and religious beliefs.