Marble Kore in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, December 2022

Title: Marble statue of a kore (maiden)

Period: Archaic

Date: late 6th century BCE

Culture: Greek

Medium: Marble, Island

Dimensions: H. 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm)

Classification: Stone Sculpture

Credit Line: Gift of John Marshall, 1907

Accession Number: 07.306


Young women in Archaic Greek sculpture were always shown clothed, allowing artists to explore the visual effects of drapery in varying textures, densities, and decoration. The heavy himation (mantle) worn by this figure hangs in stylized folds over a lightly crinkled chiton (tunic) pulled tightly across her legs to reveal the contour of her thighs and buttocks. Although the layered garments were once brightly painted, none of the original pigment is preserved. Analysis of similar statues reveals that this sort of clothing was richly decorated with colorful motifs, such as those shown in the reconstruction from the Athenian Acropolis nearby. Displayed in sanctuaries and cemeteries, korai served as votive offerings to the gods or as grave markers for wealthy individuals.

This statue of a young woman has the same pose and costume as the well-known statues of korai found on the Athenian Akropolis. She stands with her left leg slightly advanced. Her left hand grasped a fold of her thin linen chiton, pulling it tightly across her legs; the right hand probably held out an offering. The short himation (cloak), which passes diagonally over her right shoulder and under her left arm, falls in vertical, stacked folds. This type of dress originated in the East Greek cities on the coast of Asia Minor. The variation in layers and texture animates the surface of the statue, which was once brightly painted.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/248008