New Year's Lamp with Victory Inscribing Shield

Artist Unidentified

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

Place of OriginItaly, Rome, Porta Pinciana

Date2nd century CE

MediumMold-made terracotta.

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Object number

1908.33

Not on View

DescriptionThis is a small, round oil lamp made of terracotta. On the top, a winged figure—likely the Roman goddess Victory—is shown in raised relief. She holds a shield that once may have been inscribed with a seasonal greeting. The lamp has a spout at one end for a wick and was designed to burn oil. It is typical of Roman lamps made in the 2nd century CE and was likely used during New Year celebrations.

Label TextThis Roman oil lamp, discovered near Porta Pinciana in Rome and dated to the 2nd century CE, was likely used in New Year celebrations known as the Kalends. Molded from terracotta, it shows the winged figure of Victory holding a round shield, possibly once inscribed with the phrase “Annum Novum Faustum Felicem” (“A Happy and Prosperous New Year”). The lamp embodies a rich Roman tradition: exchanging strenae—gifts such as coins or symbolic objects—and vota—verbal well-wishes or vows—for blessings in the year to come.