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Lamp in the Form of a Sandaled Foot
Lamp in the Form of a Sandaled Foot
Lamp in the Form of a Sandaled Foot

Lamp in the Form of a Sandaled Foot

Maker (Roman)
Date1st - 2nd century C.E.
MediumBronze
Dimensions2 × 5 × 1 1/2 in. (5.1 × 12.7 × 3.8 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
Credit LineClarence Day Foundation Collection
Object numberLI.90.16
Commentary
One of the earliest technological innovations was portable artificial light, which was provided by an oil-soaked wick inserted into a container of fuel. Romans transformed this homely item into a wide variety of elaborately designed and decorated examples. Although a lamp in the form of a sandaled left foot—which would have burned a flame from the big toe—might seem rather humorous, in Ancient Rome the shape was associated with good health and healing.
ProvenanceAppraisal (?), Robin Symes, Dec 6, 1989
On View
On view
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