Back of Archaic Kore with painted detail

Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece

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This rear view of an Archaic Kore statue provides striking visual evidence of the polychromy that defined Greek sculpture. Though much of the color has faded, the surviving pigments on the hair and garments offer a window into the statue's original, vibrant appearance. The dense application of reddish pigment on the patterned tresses highlights the elaborate hairstyles.

The decorative bands of black paint on the drapery, particularly the running spiral motif, illustrate the use of geometric patterns to enrich the appearance of the figure's clothing. The presence of small cross-like symbols further emphasizes the statue's transformation from a simple marble form into a figure with meticulously detailed, patterned attire. The remaining color traces are invaluable for reconstructing the original aesthetic of these famous votive offerings from the Acropolis.

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Back view of an Archaic marble Kore statue showing preserved painted decoration on the hair and himation

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Source:  Athens, Greece