Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A kouros is a type of freestanding sculpture representing a nude male youth in ancient Greek art. These sculptures were typically used as grave markers or dedicatory offerings and were characterized by their idealized proportions and rigid poses.
The female counterpart to the kouros, a kore is a statue representing an idealized young woman in ancient Greek art.
Archaic Period: The period in ancient Greek art (c. 800 BCE - 480 BCE) preceding the Classical Period. Archaic kouroi are known for their stiff poses and Egyptian-inspired smile.
As mentioned earlier, contrapposto refers to the pose where one part of the body is turned in opposition to another part. This technique was often used in kouros sculptures to create more naturalistic stances.