Incense Burner Supported by Nike in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Incense Burner Supported by Nike
Greek, made in Taras, South Italy, 500-480 BC
Terracotta and pigment
Thymiaterion

Inventory # 86.AD.681

A pierced receptacle for burning incense rests on the head of Nike (goddess of victory). She pulls her dress to one side, revealing the shape of her legs- a pose characteristic of Greek statues of korai (young women). Traces remain of the pink, red, and blue pigments that once covered her wings, dress, and crown, indicating that the incense burner was once quite colorful.

Text from the Getty Villa museum label.