Cylix of Apollo
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The Cylix of Apollo is a kylix, or shallow drinking bowl, made in an Attic workshop around 460 BCE. It has an unusual depiction of the god Apollo done in the white-ground red-figure technique and is one of the few pieces of pottery on display at the Delphi Archaeological Museum.[1] It was found in a grave near the museum, believed to be that of a priest.[2]
Description
Inside the cylix Apollo is depicted with an elaborate hairdo and a laurel wreath on his head, sitting on a chair, the legs of which end in lion's paws. The god wears a white chiton, a red cloak (himation) and sandals. A seven-stringed lyre is attached to his left hand with a red strap, whereas with his right hand he pours a libation out of a shallow bowl (patera) decorated with patterns in relief. Opposite the god is a black bird, for which several explanations have been offered: it is identified either as an oracular bird or as a crow which brought to Apollo the message that his beloved Koronis, daughter of king Phlegyas, was getting married.[1]
Its creator remains uncertain. It has been tentatively identified as by Euphronios or one of his followers; other scholars have suggested it resembles the work of the Pistoxenos Painter.[3][2]
