Torso of a kouros

myminifactory

Greek artists created increasingly realistic depictions of the human body throughout the sixth century B.C. During this period, two prominent types of large-scale sculptures emerged: the male kouros, a standing nude youth, and the female kore, a standing draped maiden. Standing tall in sanctuaries and cemeteries outside the city walls, these massive stone statues served as offerings to the gods or grave markers. Wealthy Athenian aristocrats often built elaborate funeral monuments within the city limits and surrounding areas, especially for family members who had died prematurely. Such monuments also took the form of decorated stelai in relief.