Lamp with Gladiatorial Scenes

Very large terracotta lamp. Broad base. Underside of deep reservoir flares up- and outward with almost straight walls. Slightly sloping rim separated from sunken discus by two ridges defined by narrower ridges. Discus decorated in relief with gladiatorial accoutrements: a pair of leg-greaves, a pair of wrist-guards, two shields, two swords, and two helmets. Small central filling hole surrounded by a ridge also surrounded on either side by a narrower ridge. Double volute nozzle with broad tips and large wick holes. Some restoration at tips of nozzles. Double-leaf or heart-shaped decoration between volutes on the bridge of each nozzle. Horizontal perforated handle supports large, intact triangular handle ornament with decoration in relief: Victory standing beside an altar, holding a cornucopia in her right hand and a trophy (tropaeum) in her left. A shield rests on the altar. Victory is flanked by two Lares (household gods) presenting ritual offerings. Buff fabric with mottled brick-red slip. Classification: D. Bailey, A catalogue of the lamps in the British Museum vol. II (British Museum Publications, 1988), Type D.