#hellas 2017

A-LEVEL BREAKDOWN - The Sounion Kouros

Found in a pit at the Sanctuary of Poseidon at Sounion, this above life size Kouros was the survivor of a disaster, thrown down and buried by attackers, likely the Persians during the invasion of 480 BC. Thankfully, by discarding it this way, the statue has survived in reasonable condition to this day.

Dated to between 590 and 580 BC, is up to 20 years younger than the New York Kouros, but is still heavily influenced by the Egyptian style. It holds a typical archaic pose, with the arms attached to the thighs for support, and the left foot forward in an asymmetric, yet balanced stance. Its anatomy is inaccurate, still covered in flat planes where natural curves would be found, however there are some hints at muscle tone, as shown in the image above, mostly on the breast and rear. Other anatomy is carved into the surface of the marble, with shoulder blades and abdominal muscles appearing as deep groove lines on the statue’s surface.

The statue still represents and idealised male form, however at 3.08 metres tall, the statue is unnaturally large. The style has not yet transitioned into naturalism, and this is reflected by the volutes on the ears, the beaded hair supporting the delicate neck, and the two patterns found below the statue’s double fillet. The facial structure is equally abstract, with insectoid eyes protruding out, and an archaic smile which is not reflected in the muscles around the lips.

There are some attempts at naturalism. Though there are still chevrons present in the knees, the shin bones are more human than it’s predecessors, and ear placement, though not quite correct, has improved in contrast with the New York Kouros.