Oil Lamps Collection

Parable Of The Wise And Foolish Virgins, 1899. Creator: William John Wainwright
Parable Of The Wise And Foolish Virgins, 1899

New Lamps for Old, 1901. Creator: Joseph Edward Southall
New Lamps for Old (in frame), 1901. The subject is taken from story of Aladdin in the One Thousand and One Nights (The Arabian Nights)

An engraving depicting various ancient Egyptian oil lamps, 19th century
5311428 An engraving depicting various ancient Egyptian oil lamps, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1851); Universal History Archive/UIG.

The Sultan Proceeding to the Ball given by the French Ambassador, at Constantinople, 1856. Creator: Unknown
The Sultan Proceeding to the Ball given by the French Ambassador, at Constantinople, 1856. The Sultan...accompanied by his Ministers and the chief officers of his household

An Allegory of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins, 1570. Creator: Hans Ewouts
An Allegory of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins, 1570. The Wise Virgins save the oil for their lamps, while the Foolish Virgins waste it

India, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, Sindhia Ghat, Wicker baskets on bamboo poles containing lanterns. It is believed that the lights from diya oil lamps will lighten the path for the souls of dead

Devotees pray with light
Azim Khan Ronnie

Chandelier, c. 1941. Creator: John H. Tercuzzi
Chandelier, c. 1941

Discovery of the Plot to Kill Caesar and Cleopatra from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra
Discovery of the Plot to Kill Caesar and Cleopatra, from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra, Flanders, c. 1680. Woven at the workshop of Gerard Peemans, after a design by Justus van Egmont

Pair of Lamps, 1835 / 40. Creator: Union Flint Glass Works
Pair of Lamps, 1835/40. Attributed to Union Flint Glass Works

Lamp, c. 1939. Creator: Paul Poffinbarger
Lamp, c. 1939

Lights of Other Days, 1906. Creator: John Frederick Peto
Lights of Other Days, 1906

The Infants Christ and Saint John the Baptist Embracing, 1520 / 25
The Infants Christ and Saint John the Baptist Embracing, 1520/25

Sperm Oil Lamp, c. 1936. Creator: Janet Riza
Sperm Oil Lamp, c. 1936

Betty Lamp, c. 1936. Creator: James M. Lawson
Betty Lamp, c. 1936

Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1938. Creator: Cora Parker
Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1938

Lamp, c. 1937. Creator: Cora Parker
Lamp, c. 1937

Shaker Grease Lamp, 1941. Creator: Charles Goodwin
Shaker Grease Lamp, 1941

Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1940. Creator: William O. Fletcher
Whale Oil Lamp, c. 1940

Brass Lamp, c. 1939. Creator: William O. Fletcher
Brass Lamp, c. 1939

Cartoon depicting William Ewart Gladstone as Aladdin
5308994 Cartoon depicting William Ewart Gladstone as Aladdin by Tenniel, John (1820-1914); (add.info.: Cartoon depicting William Ewart Gladstone as Aladdin)

Three Wise Virgins, 1907 (w / c on paper)
PNH368257 Three Wise Virgins, 1907 (w/c on paper) by Schwabe, Carlos (1866-1926); 13x10.4 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Drawn from the parable of the Ten Virgins, or Wise Virgins)

Carcel Lamps, France, 19th Century (chromolitho)
1093733 Carcel Lamps, France, 19th Century (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Carcel Lamps, France, 19th Century)

Page from Army and Navy Stores Catalogue, 1939-40 (litho)
5988171 Page from Army and Navy Stores Catalogue, 1939-40 (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for catalogue of Army & Navy Stores Ltd)

MS 300 f. 26r, David prays to God, folio from the Psalter and Hours of Isabella of France
5911886 MS 300 f.26r, David prays to God, folio from the Psalter and Hours of Isabella of France, Paris, c.1265-70 (pen & ink and tempera on parchment) by French School

Oil lamps in ancient times (chromolitho)
1093732 Oil lamps in ancient times (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Oil lamps in ancient times)

The Triclinium, from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne by Jules Ferrario, c
CHT216946 The Triclinium, from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne by Jules Ferrario, c.1820 (coloured engraving) by Sanquirico, Alessandro (1777-1849) (after); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

MS 300 f25v-26r, David prays to God, from the Psalter and Hours of Isabella of France
5911885 MS 300 f25v-26r, David prays to God, from the Psalter and Hours of Isabella of France, Paris, c.1265-70 (pen & ink and tempera on parchment) by French School

Oil Lamp (ceramic)
1220334 Oil Lamp (ceramic) by Byzantine; Photo eZev Radovan; out of copyright

Homage (Huldigung), 1878 / 1880. Creator: Max Klinger
Homage (Huldigung), 1878/1880

The Wise and Foolish Virgins, in the Royal Academy Exhibition, painted by Lauder, 1844. Scene from the biblical parable, after a painting by James Eckford Lauder

Buddhist ceremony for the dead at Bongeunsa temple, Seoul, South Korea, Asia

oman era terracotta oil lamps
Three Roman era terracotta oil lamps 1st century CE (private collection)

North African terracotta oil lamps 4-5 century CE

Terracotta oil lamps 1-2nd century CE

Roman period bronze oil lamp 4-5th century CE

Roman terracotta oil lamps C016 / 4538
Two Roman terracotta oil lamps. Oil was poured into the hole in the centre of the lamp. Wicks were placed in the nozzle or nozzles (two-nozzle example at right) and lit

Thechinamoorthy, Sri Maha Mariamman temple, Penang, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Asia

Oil lamp, Sri Maha Mariamman temple, Penang, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Asia

Oil lamps, Sri Maha Mariamman temple, Penang, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Asia

Oil lamps, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Asia

Oil lamp in a Sri Lankan temple, Paris, France, Europe

Oil lamp in Hindu temple, Paris, France, Europe

Young girl carrying deepak lights on tray at Diwali, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, Asia

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"Shining a Light Through Time: The Fascinating Tale of Oil Lamps" they have been an integral part of human history, casting their warm glow on countless moments and stories. From ancient parables to modern masterpieces, these humble yet enchanting sources of light have captivated our imagination. In the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins by William John Wainwright in 1899, oil lamps symbolize preparedness and wisdom. They serve as a reminder to always be ready for life's unexpected twists and turns. Joseph Edward Southall's New Lamps for Old in 1901 showcases the evolution of oil lamp designs. These innovative creations shed light on how artistry can enhance even the simplest objects, transforming them into works of beauty. Traveling to Southeast Asia, we find ourselves at Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Penang, Malaysia. Here, an exquisite oil lamp illuminates devotion and spirituality within this sacred space. Venturing further into India's Uttar Pradesh region brings us to Varanasi's Sindhia Ghat. Wicker baskets suspended from bamboo poles hold precious oil lamps that flicker along the riverbank during religious ceremonies—a mesmerizing sight that reflects centuries-old traditions. John H. Tercuzzi's chandelier from 1941 takes us back to grandeur and opulence. This magnificent piece demonstrates how oil lamps evolved into elaborate fixtures fit for palaces and ballrooms—illuminating not only spaces but also social status. The Discovery of the Plot to Kill Caesar and Cleopatra reveals how oil lamps played a pivotal role in historical events. In this tale from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra, they become silent witnesses shedding light on clandestine schemes unfolding behind closed doors. A pair of Union Flint Glass Works' lamps crafted between 1835-1840 transports us back to an era when craftsmanship reigned supreme.