Athena had many aspects, functions and epithets. On this funerary lekythos, her surrogate and messenger the winged goddess Nike is shown. Lekythoi were made for the grave and contained oil, which mourners could pour down to the deceased or leave as a gift to the dead.
Nike, bringer of victory to mortals, is offering a filet to the dead musician, perhaps to celebrate his achievements in life. The musician stands with his head thrown back, mouth open in song, while the fringed apron of the kithara swings forward. The kithara, a stringed instrument related to the lyre, was often associated with religious festivals. Between Nike and the musician is the inscription kalos ho pais, which translates as ‘the boy is beautiful’.
