Anavysos Kouros Analysis

Anavysos Kouros is an Archaic Greek sculpture made c. 530 from marble with remnants of paint. The representation of his body is very stiff, but the individual aspects of the body parts are realistic when examined by themselves (except for the huge ankles). However, when looked at as a whole, it becomes apparent that each body part is exaggerated – long, curly hair; big eyes; strong, protruding jaw line; oversized ears; solid, muscular torso; similarly sized penis and scrotum; dense, muscular thighs; and prominent lines along the calves to highlight more muscles. It draws all of the attention to the specific form of the body and draws attention away from the man as an individual. This strength and solid feel is softened a bit by the “Archaic smile” of the mouth. This piece also shows only a very slight movement through the forward leg, but it’s not yet realistic.
480 BC, shows a more softly and thin body, even with distinct muscles in the torso. This is a more simplistic approach to a man – shorter hair, smaller genitalia, and subtle muscles, but a strength that can be seen from the shoulders from the curve in his back. The balance between strength and relaxation is played up in the muscles, posture, and face. Even without the rest of the leg, it’s clear that the right leg is shifted forward and bent while the weight of the figure stays behind on the left leg; this is the beginnings of contrapposto. The body and head are both turned towards the right, as well. This engages the viewer with the sculpture, bringing them around the side of the body and wondering what he is looking at. Although the posture is more complex, the face is simply broad and