Abstract This paper discusses the evolution of Greek statues over the centuries. It presents an overview of Greek statuary, focusing on the Archaic period and the High Hellenic period. The paper specifically focuses on and compares the kouros of the Archaic period and the depiction of Demosthenes from the High Hellenic period in order to understand how the changes came about.
Table of Contents:
Overview
The Archaic Period: the Kouros
The High Hellenistic Period: Demosthenes
Comparing Statues
Conclusion
From the Paper "The kouros was never intended to represent a single individual. Instead, such statues were intended to represent a group of people, being that of idealized male youths at the height of their sexually attractive state. However, the statue of Demosthenes is clearly a representation of a single individual. It does not merely represent a group of people, being an idealized representation of the group "philosopher." Rather, the statue of Demosthenes is what Pedley calls a "psychological portrait" (352) of a living being, unlike the ambiguous kouros who exists suspended outside of time."
