Handmade ceramic red-shaped vase of the classical period, museum copy.

It depicts the god Apollo holding his lyre and accompanied by a dog and a bird.

The lyre, which is perhaps his most famous symbol, declares that he is the god of music. In ancient myths the god Hermes endowed Apollo with the lyre in exchange for the staff of health. The lyre of Apollo has the power to make things like stones become musical instruments. The crow is a symbol of Apollo's anger. The crow was once a white bird, but after delivering bad news to the god, all the crows turned black. The bird had the bad news that he had to let Apollo know his lover, Koronis was unfaithful. The news of infidelity caused Apollo to literally shoot the messenger.

The rays of light radiating from his head along with the crown he wears are both symbolizing that he is the god of the sun. According to Greek legend, every morning Apollo travels in a golden fiery chariot in the sky, bringing daylight to the world. At night his twin, Artemis, rides his own chariot across the sky, bringing darkness.

The laurel branch was indeed something that Apollo wore as a sign of his love for the demigod Daphne. Unfortunately, Daphne left the Goddess of Love to have a hatred of love and lust. It was an act of revenge against Apollo who claimed to be the best archer. Finally, after Daphne fell tired from the expulsion of Apollo, he begged his father the river God Penion for help. Daphne turned to laurel to escape the love of Apollo.