New York Kouros

1. New York Kouros Tom B and Dan

2. Key Facts • Early Archaic period • Sounion group of kouroi • c. 590-580BC • 1.85m tall (6.4 ft) without plinth • Kouros translates to “young man” • Made from Naxian marble • Idealistic rather than realistic

3. Significance • One of the earliest examples of a kouros • Showed a transition from the Geometric/Oriental period

4. How was it sculpted • Sculptor unknown • Block of Naxian marble • Outline of it likely to be drawn on it • Excess stone chipped away • Filed down to make a smooth finish • Tools: • Punch • Claw • Flat Chisel • Rasp

5. Purpose • Guessed at being a tombstone for a youth who either died young or fell in battle (kouros – young man) • Not a dedication to the gods or representation • Sign of respect • Showing off wealth or taste if it was one of the earliest kouros’s found in Attica?

6. Typical of Greek kouroi? • Pose • left leg forwards • arms down • staring face • straight shoulders • broad chest • clenched fists • Naked • Symmetrical

8. Typical of Greek kouroi? • Upright posture • Archaic Smile • Perhaps less artistic than later Archaic examples of the kouros • Paint traces found on hair band, eyes, mouth, hair and nipples • Neck band worn instead of belt • 360 degree viewing, but emphasis on the front features

10. Egyptian influences

11. Egyptian influences • Neck band worn • Braided hair • Unlike some Egyptian statues no supporting pillar is used • No loin cloth

12. The Finding • Found on the road that connects Athens and Cape Sounion, near Anavyssos • Most likely sculpted in Attica due to location of find • Housed in the New York Metropolitan Museum since 1983 • Its authenticity is disputed

13. Thank You Any questions?