Attributes of Outdoor Statuary in Archaic Greece

The first freestanding sculpture was designed by the Archaic Greeks, a recognized achievement since until then the sole carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and columns. Most of these freestanding sculptures were what is known as kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. Symbolizing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were made to look rigid and commonly had foot forward; the males were healthy, strong, and nude. In about 650 BC, the variations of the kouroi became life-sized. During the Archaic time, a great time of change, the (additional info) Greeks were developing new sorts of government, expressions of art, and a deeper comprehension of people and cultures outside Greece. But in spite of the disputes, the Greek civilization went on to progress, unabated.