Leilão Bidspirit | Roman factory oil lamp, Type

Roman factory oil lamp, Type Bussière B IV 3, depicting bust of Mercury, front, wearing a winged petasus, framed by a caduceus and a purse and makers mark LMADIEC - ITEM: Factory oil lamp, Type Bussière B IV 3, depicting bust of Mercury, front, wearing a winged petasus, framed by a caduceus and a purse and makers mark LMADIEC MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 47 mm x 71 mm x 112 mm CONDITION: Good condition, repaired PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired from Toulouse and Montpellier auction houses and antique dealers before 1990s Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice. Mercury, the messenger of the gods and the god of commerce, was a popular figure depicted in various forms of art and daily objects, including oil lamps. Oil lamps were essential sources of light in Roman households, temples, and public spaces, and they were often adorned with imagery related to Roman mythology and religion. Mercury was frequently featured on oil lamps due to his significance in Roman society as a patron deity of merchants, travelers, and communication. Mercury's portrayal on Roman oil lamps typically showcased him in his distinctive attributes, such as wearing a winged hat (petasos) and sandals (talaria), holding a caduceus (a herald's staff entwined with serpents), and sometimes accompanied by a purse or money bag, symbolizing commerce and trade. These depictions served not only to illuminate spaces but also to invoke Mercury's protection and blessings upon the household or establishment where the lamp was used. The presence of Mercury on oil lamps also had symbolic meanings beyond practical illumination. His association with communication and travel conveyed themes of guidance, safe passage, and prosperity, aligning with the desires of those using the lamps in their daily lives.