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Writing Assignment: Three Greek sculptures of women
These three sculptures, one each from the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods, show women in ways typical of each period. How does each sculpture depict women? How do the pose, gestures, clothing, decoration, and other details contribute to our understanding of the work? Does the piece speak to women? If so, how? How would men respond to it? To what extent does it reflect its time period?
With each piece, it is important to consider the context of each sculpture: who (is likely to have) set it up and for what purpose? Who is intended audience? Re-reading the relevant sections from Fantham et al. would help, plus reviewing class notes and discussions, would help contextualize each work within its own time period.
1. Peplos Kore. Archaic Period c. 530 BCE, dedication (to Athena) on the Acropolis in Athens
Greek sculpture was regularly painted. Here are two reconstructions of the Peplos Kore and one more reconstruction
More information about the Peplos Kore from the Museum of Classical Archaeology at Cambridge University.
More images of korai, including close-ups of the peplos kore.
Cf. Fantham et al., pp. 19-22, 34-39. |
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2. Stele of Hegeso. Classical c. 400 BCE. Gravestone from Athens. Part of the family grave plot of Koroibos from the deme Melite. The inscription reads, "Hegeso, daughter of Proxenos."
Hegeso (seated) picks jewelry from a box held for her by a girl.
Additional images of the stele of Hegeso
Cf. Fantham et al., pp. 5-9, 79-83, 96-97 |
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3. Aphrodite of Knidos. Sculptor: Praxiteles. Cult statue. Hellenistic c. 340 BCE. At right, a Roman copy now in the Vatican Museums.
Two ancient writers recounting ancient responses to the statue
Fantham et al., pp. 173-79 |
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