Statue of a kouros

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Throughout the sixth century B.C., Greek artists began crafting remarkably lifelike depictions of the human form. During this era, two primary types of freestanding, large-scale sculptures gained prominence: the male kouros, a standing nude youth, and the female kore, a standing draped maiden. Raised in sanctuaries and cemeteries beyond city walls, these massive stone statues served as offerings to the gods or grave markers. Athenian aristocrats frequently constructed elaborate funerary monuments within the city limits and its surroundings, particularly for family members who had died prematurely. Such memorials often took the form of stelai, frequently adorned with intricate relief carvings.