Lucerne. Roman Empire, 2nd-3rd century AD.

Lucerne. Roman Empire, 2nd-3rd century AD.
Bronze.
Good state of preservation.
Provenance: Private collection, Mr. H. Hossegor, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France.
Measurements: 18 cm long.

Roman bronze lantern, functional and symbolic piece destined to the illumination in domestic or ritual contexts. Its design presents a globular body with a central deposit and multiple combustion spouts, a technical solution that allowed a greater emission of light and evidences the refinement of the Roman metalwork in objects of daily use.

Particularly noteworthy is the handle, topped with a zoomorphic shape -probably a stylized dolphin-, a frequent motif in the Roman decorative repertoire and associated both with the marine world and with protective and apotropaic meanings. This element not only fulfills a practical function, but also elevates the piece to a higher aesthetic and symbolic level.