Replica of an Early Christian Lamp

Artist Unidentified

Period Roman Empire (Ancient Roman, 27 BCE-395 CE)

Place of OriginRome, Italy

Date19th century (before 1872)

Mediumbronze

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Credit LineGift of Dr. Arthur F. Bissell

Object number

1912.1265

Not on View

DescriptionA ceramic oil lamp featuring a bronze rooster handle, which is affixed using a metal screw and crude soldering.

Label TextThis oil lamp, reportedly found in the catacombs of Rome, features a bronze rooster handle, which was originally believed to be an indication of Christian design. However, modern analysis has revealed that the handle is attached using a metal screw—an industrial technique not used in antiquity—suggesting the piece is a forgery. The handle is also crudely soldered to the lamp body, further confirming its modern manufacture.