Roman - Oil Lamp - Female Gladiator > Lot No. 729

Description:
Circa 1st century AD. Reddish-brown; the discus decorated in relief with a helmeted female gladiator, holding shield and mace, wearing ankle-boots; bordered by encircling grooved bands, with an angular volute nossle; the maker's name inscribed on the base [L.M.ADIEC].

Measurements:
70 grams, 106 mm.

Condition:
Very fine. Extremely rare.

Provenance:
Ex Hornbeam collection.

Comments notes:
Martial Sp.6 and 6B and Cassius Dio 66.25.2 mention female venatores (beast fighters) at the inauguration games of the Colosseum.

Estimate: £500 - 800 (EUR 620 - 990; USD 790 - 1,270)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH