KORAI PERIOD Meaning and
Definition
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The Korai period refers to a significant phase in the history of ancient Greek sculpture that dates back to the late 7th century BCE to the early 5th century BCE. It corresponds to the realm of Archaic art which prevailed during the Archaic era of Greece. The term "Korai" is derived from the Greek word "korē" meaning "maiden," emphasizing the representation of young female figures.
During the Korai period, sculpture attained remarkable advancements, characterized by the impact of Egyptian artistic influences. This period witnessed a transition from the earlier Daedalic style to a more naturalistic and refined form. Sculptors during this era focused particularly on monumental freestanding statues of young women, especially deities or priestesses. These statues were often portrayed wearing elaborate garments, known as peplos, which clung to their bodies, exposing intricate details of the figure beneath.
Korai figures are known for their distinctive characteristics; they usually display a rigid and frontal stance, standing with one leg slightly forward, reflecting the initial stages of contrapposto. They commonly exhibit a serene expression, with crossed arms placed on their chests, symbolizing a restrained presence. The faces of these sculptures were sculpted with an archaic smile, characterized by a subtle curvature of the lips.
The Korai period holds significant historical importance, serving as a bridge between the archaic and classical periods of Greek art. Its sculptures reflect the evolving artistic and cultural influences of the period, utilizing a harmonious blend of Egyptian, Near Eastern, and Greek artistic elements. The Korai period represents a crucial juncture in the development of Greek sculpture, leading to further refinements and innovations in artistic expression in subsequent eras.
Common Misspellings for KORAI PERIOD
- jorai period
- morai period
- lorai period
- oorai period
- iorai period
- kirai period
- kkrai period
- klrai period
- kprai period
- k0rai period
- k9rai period
- koeai period
- kodai period
- kofai period
- kotai period
- ko5ai period
- ko4ai period
- korzi period
- korsi period
- korwi period
Etymology of KORAI PERIOD
The term Korai period is derived from the word Korai, which is the plural form of Kore. Kore is a Greek word meaning maiden or young girl. In the context of art history, Kore refers to a type of sculptural representation of a young woman, usually depicted in a standing position with one foot slightly advanced. The Korai period, therefore, refers to the time period in Ancient Greek art when these sculptures were predominantly produced (circa 650-480 BCE). The term Korai itself is thought to have originated from the Greek term kouros, which means young man.
