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Korè 675

Korè 675, also called the Kore of Chios or Ionian Kore, is an archaic Greek kore, a sculpture of a young woman, carved in marble. It was discovered during archaeological excavations on the Acropolis of Athens and is now kept in the site museum. The sculpture is notable for preserving traces of its original polychromy, offering evidence of its once colorful appearance. Also known under the names Korè de Chios and Korè ionienne, it is an important example of archaic Greek sculpture.

Chiotissa kore sculpture showing a female figure with braided hair and patterned draped garments on a red pedestal.
Chiotissa kore, a stone female figure with intricate braided hair and draped clothing, displayed on a pedestal.
© Archermos · CC BY-SA 2.5
Korè 675, a brightly painted ancient Greek female statue with braided hair and a decorated headdress.
Korè 675 shown in its painted reconstruction, with vivid colors on the hair, clothing, and headdress.
April 2015 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Korè 675, a brightly colored female sculpture with braided orange hair, stands beneath a painted architectural capital.
Korè 675 shown with a vividly painted architectural capital above it.
December 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Korè 675, a brightly painted replica of an ancient girl statue with a missing lower arm, standing against a blue museum wall.
Korè 675 shown as a brightly painted replica of the Chios Kore.
April 2015 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Korè 675 shown from the side, with braided hair, a headband, and circular earrings.
Korè 675, seen in side profile with detailed braids, a headband, and circular earrings.
© Archermos · CC BY-SA 2.5

Identification

TitleKorè 675
Alternative namesKorè de Chios; Korè ionienne; Kore of Chios
Typekorè (archaic female votive statue)

Historical context

Datecirca 520–510 BC
PeriodArchaic

Creator

AttributionPossibly made by Archermos of Chios, or more likely by his school
Origin of artistEastern Greece

Discovery and provenance

Discovery contextDiscovered during archaeological excavations on the Acropolis of Athens
Probable dedicationProbably dedicated to Athena
Historical note on ArchermosPliny the Elder reports that his family produced sculptors for several generations
Acropolis dedication related to ArchermosArchermos of Chios, or a possible namesake grandson, was represented on the Acropolis by a dedication on a column shaft

Physical characteristics

Preserved portionOnly the upper part of the original sculpture survives, down to knee height
Height55 cm

Materials

MaterialMarble, probably Chian (insular) marble
Surface decorationPreserved traces of polychromy

Technique

DetailingDetailed incisions in the marble and painted details

Appearance

Stylistic traditionIonian dress tradition; virtuosic style
Polychromy and dressBlue chiton; diagonal himation with red and blue decorations on the hem
HairHair falls onto the torso, gathered in braids
Head adornmentCrown decorated with meanders
PoseLeft leg slightly advanced; right arm extended forward; left arm slightly pulling the garment

Iconography and meaning

Iconographic typeTypical archaic female statuary iconography
Comparative workThe face has been compared with that of the Nike of Delos ('of Archermos'), about 50 years earlier

Location and ownership

Current locationAcropolis Museum, Athens