In ancient art, Apollo, the god of prophecy, music, and poetry, was often accompanied by one or more of the Muses, goddesses of arts and learning. Gracing the cover of this highly unusual drinking cup, Apollo wears only a reddish purple cloak, opened to reveal his muscular nude body, symbolic of youth, power, and beauty. Sitting on a rock beside him, a Muse holds a lyre, Apollo's sacred instrument, and gazes thoughtfully at the god, perhaps providing him with artistic inspiration.

This colorful scene, which may echo a lost wall painting, is a masterpiece of Greek vase decoration, expertly crafted and uncommonly extravagant. Apollo's laurel crown, for instance, was given texture by adding an extra layer of clay and then gilded, as were the jewelry worn by the Muse and the arms of her lyre. This gilding, most of which is now lost, was added after the vessel was fired, along with the rich but delicate colors layered over the white ground.

An extremely rare form in Greek pottery, the covered cup, unlike typical kylikes, was designed to be filled by turning it upside down and pouring liquid into the hollow foot. The walls of the foot extend almost up to the cover, keeping the liquid inside the cup once it was turned upright; the contents would then be poured out through a small opening in the cover. Only a few cups of this shape are known, including another in the MFA collection. The rarity of the form, the complexity of its construction, and the luxury of the various decorative techniques suggest that this kylix was made not for everyday use but rather for a ritual purpose, related to religious or funerary rites.

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