This beautiful Greek vase was found at Delphi, Greece, one of the most famous sanctuaries in the ancient world. Great leaders and commoners came here to consult the oracle of the Greek god Apollo, patron of prophecy. He was also considered the god of medicine, logic, the arts, music, light, and in Roman times, the sun.

This design shows Apollo on his throne with his turtleshell lyre under his arm, pouring out a libation (offering) of wine to himself using a cup like the one on which his portrait is painted. The raven, a wise bird native to the rocky mountains around Delphi, was thought to be a counselor of Apollo by the Greeks just as the Vikings thought two ravens advised the Norse god of wisdom, Odin.