Phrasikleia Kore

Definition

The Phrasikleia Kore is an ancient Greek statue from the Archaic period, depicting a youthful female figure that was discovered in a burial context near Athens. This statue exemplifies the emergence of monumental sculpture in Greece, showcasing advancements in artistic techniques and the importance of funerary practices during this time. The Phrasikleia Kore represents both a cultural shift towards more expressive and naturalistic forms and the significance of commemorating individuals through art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Phrasikleia Kore was found in 1972 at the site of a tomb and dates back to around 530 BCE, highlighting the Archaic period's artistry.
2. This statue is notable for its elaborate drapery and intricate details, demonstrating the increasing sophistication of sculptural techniques during this era.
3. Originally, the Phrasikleia Kore was painted in vibrant colors, reflecting the polychromatic nature of many ancient Greek sculptures, which often looked much more lifelike than we see them today.
4. The inscription on the base of the statue reveals that it was dedicated to a girl named Phrasikleia, emphasizing its role as a funerary marker and its connection to personal identity in ancient Greece.
5. The discovery of the Phrasikleia Kore contributes significantly to our understanding of burial customs and artistic developments in ancient Athens during the Archaic period.

Review Questions

• How does the Phrasikleia Kore illustrate the characteristics of Archaic Greek sculpture?
  • The Phrasikleia Kore embodies key characteristics of Archaic Greek sculpture through its rigid posture, idealized form, and detailed drapery. The artist's attention to realistic clothing patterns and facial features demonstrates an evolving understanding of human anatomy and aesthetics. Moreover, the use of color and intricate detailing marks a shift towards more expressive representations in monumental sculpture.
• Discuss the significance of the inscription found with the Phrasikleia Kore and what it reveals about funerary practices in ancient Greece.
  • The inscription accompanying the Phrasikleia Kore serves as a crucial piece of evidence regarding funerary practices in ancient Greece. It not only identifies the figure as a representation of Phrasikleia but also indicates that the statue was intended as a memorial for her. This highlights how monumental sculpture played a vital role in commemorating individuals and reflecting personal identities within ancient Greek culture.
• Evaluate how the Phrasikleia Kore reflects broader social and artistic trends in Archaic Greece, particularly regarding identity and representation.
  • The Phrasikleia Kore can be analyzed as a reflection of broader social changes during Archaic Greece, where individual identity began to hold more significance. The increasing realism and personalization in art highlight a cultural shift towards recognizing individual lives through memorials. Additionally, this shift towards more naturalistic representation indicates an emerging understanding of human emotion and experience, thereby influencing later developments in classical art.

Related terms

Kore: A type of ancient Greek statue representing a young woman, often clothed and serving as a votive offering or grave marker.

Kouros: An archaic Greek statue representing a young male, characterized by its rigid stance and idealized form, often used in similar contexts as the kore.

Polychromy: The practice of painting sculptures in multiple colors, which was common in ancient Greek art, including statues like the Phrasikleia Kore.