Apollonia Painter - Red-Figure "Kerch"-Style Lekythos - Walters 4884

This vase is an exquisite example of the "Kerch" ware, distinguished by graceful poses, delicate details, gilding, and abundant colors. The subject is games of love. A seated nymph triumphs at "knucklebones," a game in which both players toss bones from the ankle of a sheep into the air and try to catch them on the back of their hand. Her unsuccessful opponent is a satyr. Behind him stands Aphrodite between two Eros figures, who are offering laurel wreaths of victory to the nymph and to the youth at far left, dressed as a bridegroom.