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New York Kouros The first steps Slide 2 New York Kouros Slide 3 Slide 4 Slide 5 The Finding Found on the road that connects Athens and Cape Sounion, near Anavyssos Most likely sculpted in Attica due to location of find Housed in the New York Metropolitan Museum since 1983 Its authenticity is disputed Slide 6 Key Facts Early Archaic period c. 590-580BC 1.85m tall (6.4 ft) without plinth Kouros Made from Naxian marble Idealistic rather than realistic Sculptor unknown Slide 7 ATTICA Slide 8 Slide 9 Decoration Hair divided into fourteen beaded locks, each terminating in a triangular element. Wears a taenia (hairband) tied in a reef- knot at the back. A band is worn around the neck, and tied (in a reef knot?) at the front. Stylistic geometric incised musculature Slide 10 Slide 11 Slide 12 Slide 13 Slide 14 Slide 15 Significance One of the earliest examples of a kouros Showed a transition from the Geometric/Oriental period Step away from the Egyptian model. Excellent example of a geometric, stylistic, archaic work of art. The starting point to judge all changes against. Slide 16 Typical of Greek kouroi? Pose left leg forwards arms down staring face straight shoulders broad chest clenched fists Naked Symmetrical Slide 17 Slide 18 Slide 19 Slide 20 Egyptian influences Greek improvements? Slide 21 Woodford says The sculptor has used not only symmetry but also repetition as a device to impose decorative coherence on the living body. The sculptor has produced the illusion of a figure standing on his own two feet.