Marble statue of a kouros (youth)

Unknown

ca. 590–580 BCE · Marble, Naxian · Greek and Roman Art

This is one of the earliest marble statues of a human figure carved in Attica. The rigid stance, with the left leg forward and arms at the side, was derived from Egyptian art. The pose provided a clear, simple formula that was used by Greek sculptors throughout the sixth century B.C. In this early figure, almost abstract, geometric forms predominate; and anatomical details are rendered in beautiful analogous patterns. The statue marked the grave of a young Athenian aristocrat.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 590–580 BCE

Medium

Marble, Naxian

Culture

Greek, Attic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1932