Greek

The smile that graces the face of this statuette of a young man (kouros) was a common feature of the Archaic period of Greek sculpture. The rigidly upright striding pose was also characteristic of this period, which drew much inspiration from Egyptian statuary. This piece in particular was created as a votive offering. The inscription running down the exterior of the legs translates to: “Amphias made this dedication from the tithes to the Far-Shooter.” This kouros was thus a gift to Apollo, the Far-Shooter, thanking him for some unknown favor, and informing him that a tenth of the donor’s fortune had been given to the god’s temple.