The Archaic Period: 600-480 BCE

Greek Geography

The Greek region characterized by a mountainous peninsula and archipelago, leading to the majority of the population living near water for trade and defense.

City-States

Divided regions in Greece unified by mythology due to the mountainous terrain, fostering a sense of shared identity.

Greek Art Periods

The three main periods of Greek art - Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic - each with distinct characteristics and styles.

Kouros Sculpture

A famous Greek sculpture representing an Apollo figure and ideal athlete, identified by the athletic headband and archaic smile.

Encaustic Paint

A type of paint used in Greek sculptures like the Kouros figure, made with beeswax as a binder for coloring.

Egyptian Influence

The Egyptians influenced Greek large-scale human sculptures, with Greeks adopting the power walk stance but creating sculptures in the round instead of relief.

Proportions

Greek sculptures like the Kouros figure emphasized proportions, a key aspect of their artistry and distinguishing feature from Egyptian sculptures.

Subtractive Sculpture

The technique used for creating the Kouros figure and other Greek sculptures, involving carving away material from a block to form the desired shape.