Archaic Greek Kouros Figurine

Archaic Greek Kouros Figurine

Description:

Upper part of a a limestone figurine of a naked male youth (kouros); both legs are missing below the hips but the archaic Greek style of the body suggests that one leg was pushed slighly forward; the figure is shown frontally with an hourglass-shaped body, narrow hips and small pectorals (nipples indicated), but a somewhat plump stomach; his clenched left hand is held to his chest; the right arm is broken off at the shoulder.


The face is triangular with rounded edges; almond-shaped eyes (in deep, ridged sockets): traces of a black painted eyeball on the right eye; large ear-lobes; full lips with a slight smile. Wig-like hair, except for the three tresses falling on each side of the shoulders of hair, ending in sharp points and incised horizontally in the lower parts; a line of curls along the forehead; at the back are five tresses (and possibly the remains of a sixth) ended in triangles, but lacking the incisions of the front.


Dimensions: Height: 15.24 centimetres


Object Type: figurine


Techniques: incised; carved

Period:

Archaic II

Date:

600 - 540 BC

Collection:

British Museum

Provenance:

Sanctuary of Apollo (Idalion)

Accession Number:

1873,0320.179