Advanced Search 
Lamp in the form of a dove
Byzantine
Early Byzantine Period
4th-6th Century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height x length: 11 x 13.5 cm (4 5/16 x 5 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Otis Norcross Fund
Accession Number64.2171
CollectionsEurope, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Lighting devices
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 498; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 125 (additional published references).
DescriptionBronze cast lamp in the shape of a bird. This lamp would have hung from a chain attached to the ring at the back of the bird’s head. The lid from the top of the bird’s head is missing, but part of a corroded pin that would have held the lid in place survives. Also missing is a plug for the circular base of the lamp. Even, dark, black patina, overlaid with considerable encrusted earth. Most likely from Egypt.
ProvenanceBy 1964: with a dealer in Athens (said to be from Athens); purchased by MFA, December 9, 1964