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| Peplos Kore from the Acropolis Archiac Greek. c. 530 B.C.E. Marble, painted details Greeks painted their sculptures in bright colors and adorned them with metal jewelry |
Context"Kouros and kore figures stand frontally, bolt upright, and with squarish shoulders. Hair is knotted, and the ears are a curlicue. Figures are cut free from the stone as much as possible, although arms are sometimes attached to thighs. As in Egyptian works, kouros figures have one foot placed in front of the other, as if they were in mid stride. The shins have a neat crease down the front, as Egyptian works do."
- c. 530 B.C.E.
- Acropolis (ancient citadel on a hill) at Athens, Greece
- Artist unknown
Content
- Kore statue (young maiden)
- Most likely one of the maiden goddesses
- A peplos robe (not confirmed*)
- Arm extended with the intent of holding something, breaks mold of static Archaic statues
- Object was lost to time (may indicate which goddess is depicted)
- Classical Egyptian stance (prior to Contrapasto)
- Facial expression alludes to unearthly wisdom, association with transcendance and being above humanly emotion
Form
- Brightly pigmented paint
- Much of which still remains (red of the hair and eyes)
- Skirt formerly colored, designed with animals (such as the sphinx, horses, and possibly goats)
- Fine-grained Parian marble (white)
- Missing left arm
- Tightened waist
- Breasts revealed beneath drapery
- Rounded, naturalistic face
- Hair falls naturally on her figure (natural theme)
- Free-standing
Function (*interpretations)
- To honor and depict a Greek goddess (likely Artemis)
- Place holder for altar in Greek temple > Acropolis
- Kore often used to mark graves, were offerings to the gods (6th-5th c. B.C.E.)
- Physical representation of a deity (specifically the goddess Artemis or Athena), which is the most likely option as she is clothed differently than all other korai found at the Acropolis
--Greek Art, Content Area: Ancient Mediterranian, p. 105
Unlike its male counterparts, this Kore statue is clothed. She is assumed to be wearing a peplos, a rich outer robe or shawl worn by women in ancient Greece, hanging in loose folds and sometimes drawn over the head, which is where the name comes from--although there really isn't a way to tell what it actually is.
Originally, she was painted in bright colors, and her arm was once extended, presumably holding an object. Scholars say she was most likely Artemis or Athena, but it's impossible to be sure because we don't know whether she held a bow or not. Artemis is the most likely choice, due to how her appearance contrasts with the other Kore figures, and the color and decoration of the figure's costume.
Overall, the Peplos Kore reflects the Classical ideal.
*Notes from Khan Academy video, quiz, and Greek-Roman handouts (https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/greek-art/daedalic-archaic/v/peplos-kore)
