Statuette of a kore

myminifactory

Throughout the sixth century B.C., Greek artists began creating more lifelike depictions of the human figure on a large scale. During this period, two styles of freestanding sculpture dominated: the male kouros, representing a standing nude youth, and the female kore, depicting a standing draped maiden. These massive stone statues were placed in sanctuaries and cemeteries outside city walls to serve as offerings to the gods or grave markers. Wealthy Athenian families often commissioned expensive funerary monuments within the city limits and its surroundings, typically for family members who died young. Such monuments frequently took the form of stelai, often featuring intricate relief carvings.