Athenian red-figure lekythos with white ground, dated to ca. 475–425 BCE, attributed to the Achilles Painter, one of the most refined vase painters of the Classical period. The lekythos originates from Greece and is currently held in the State Collection of Antiquities in Munich (Antikensammlungen, Munich).
The painted scene shows two Muses in a natural setting: one is seated on a rock, playing a lyre, while the other stands opposite, watching. Between them perches a small bird, likely a nightingale, adding a lyrical and symbolic element. The seated Muse is identified by an inscription as “Helikon”, referring to the sacred mountain of the Muses.
Above the scene, a three-line inscription names:
The scene is marked by its tranquility, balanced composition, and its emphasis on music and poetic inspiration. The use of white ground with delicate red-figure drawing enhances the clarity and elegance of the visual narrative.
