The Peplos Kore

1. The Peplos Kore

2. Key Facts • c.530-525 BC • Late Archaic period • Made from white Parian marble • 1.18 m tall • Believed to have been dumped on the Acropolis when the Persians destroyed it in 480-479 BC • Found near the Erechtheum on the Acropolis in 1884 • Currently housed in the Athens Acropolis Museum

3. Significance • One of the best examples of a kore uncovered • Gives a representation of Greek attitudes towards women at the time • May have been dedicated to Athena, and some argue that the statue is representative of her

4. Appearance • Wore a red peplos, the typical dress for women for Greek women at the time • Paint traces have been found on the statue, but have faded since it was found in 1884 • Has a green and white trim • Woodford calls it a “simple woolen peplos

7. Appearance • Seen as being very representative of Athenian women • Gives an insight into how women were viewed in Athenian society • Richter: “presented in a very modest but enchanting manner. This portrayal reflected attitudes at the time” • Realistic • Mainly frontal viewing, emphasis on the front

9. Extra Clothing • Under the peplos is worn a chiton • Wears a meniskos on her head • Missing arm would have been outstretched and making some offering to the gods • Know this as other kore that have been found were doing this

10. Body • Typical of a kore • Symmetrical apart from the outstretched arm • Hair is very repetitive, and beaded style • Hair falls in front of head, showing it is an attempt to be realistic than simply supporting the weak neck • Has an Archaic Smile • Almond-like eyes

12. Woodford says • “This effort was to a large extent successful, particularly in matters of detail, increasing naturalism produced new and unexpected problems” • “they were not able to make their statues come alive” • Woodford praises the “plausible fall of the woolen cloth”

13. Thank you