Archaic

Archaic designates art from the Archaic period of ancient Greece (roughly 700-480 BCE), a time when Greek sculptors developed the conventions that would define Western art. The period is famous for the kouros and kore figures: rigid, forward-facing statues of young men and women with the distinctive "Archaic smile." These carved marble figures evolved steadily toward greater naturalism over two centuries.

Archaic sculptors also produced elaborate temple decoration, relief carvings, and small bronze votives. The period ended with the Persian Wars, after which Greek art entered the Classical phase. Our collection includes 4 Archaic works at the Art Institute of Chicago.