Representation of Human Figure in Ancient Greek Art
Develop an essay about the representation of the human figure in ancient Greek art. How do representations of the human figure differ between the Archaic and Classical periods? Does material impact the look of figural images? For full credit, your response must correctly identify and describe the historical context and some specific features of each of the images provided while also addressing the overarching theme of the prompt; you may include additional examples.
Sample Solution
The representations of the human figure differ between the Archaic and Classical periods. During the Archaic Period both males (referred to as kuoros) and females (referred to as kore) were represented in rigid poses and with symmetrical qualities. The main difference between them is that males were depicted nude (as they were often nude in public spaces) while women wore elaborate clothes, and artists paid special attention to their hair. During the Classical Period, stiff poses were replaced with more dynamic representations for both males and females. Males were still depicted nude and were seen doing athletic activities to highlight the Greek study of perfect proportions. There were also female nudes, but they mostly referred to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Other female goddesses were usually clothed following the Classical fascination with portraying drapery.
