EARLY CHRISTIAN, CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

A NORTH AFRICAN RED SLIP WARE OIL LAMP
Early Christian, Circa 4th-5th Century A.D.
Discolored by fire, with a tapering handle and long canal nozzle, the discus molded with the Three Hebrews wearing Phrygian caps and a fourth unidentified figure, perhaps an angel, standing before Nebuchadnezzar, who is enthroned beside a bust of himself upon a column, the scene bordered on each side by leaves
5 in. (12.7 cm) long

Lot Essay

This story, from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament (Daniel 3:23-26), was adopted into Early Christian iconography as a foreshadowing of the resurrection of Jesus. The Three Hebrews were sentenced to death in a fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar. They emerged from the furnace completely unharmed and accompanied by an angel.

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