Kouros
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.
Analogy
Think of a perfectly sculpted action figure standing tall on a shelf, with every muscle defined and its pose frozen in time. Just like that action figure, kouros statues captured the idealized beauty and strength of young men.
Related terms
Kore: 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.
Contrapposto: 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.
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