Description

The picture lamp with an attached ring handle shows a gladiator attacking to the left. It was probably produced in the Rhineland.

Such picture lamps were produced in large numbers in molds. To do this, the potter first made a model (male mold) out of clay, which was then fired. A two-part mold - often made of plaster, less often made of clay - was taken from the patrix, and called the matrix. Thin clay plates were pressed into this mold and then assembled into a complete lamp after a drying process. Before firing, the lamps were dipped in a fine clay slip, which produced a beautifully shiny varnish.