Phrasikleia Kore

The Phrasikleia and the Attic korai are the most well-preserved statues in existence from the 6th century BCE. They represent a type of Archaic female statue intended specifically for funerary use. The Phrasikleia Kore is a Parian marble statue that features prominent polychromy The preservation of the Phrasikleia Kore was so successful because it was buried in a "custom-designed pit." Scholars believe that the Alcmaeonid family of Athens was responsible for commissioning the sculpture, and for the subsequent the burial of the Phrasikleia Kore. The freshness of the statue indicates that this powerful family may have still been grieving the young woman when Peisistratos returned to Athens. This is supported by distinct absence of mutilation to the Kore. Additionally, the ancient Greek orator Isocrates recorded that the followers of Peisistratos "not only demolished the houses of the Alcmaeonids but they even opened their graves." == Etymology ==

The name Phrasikleia is derived from the archaic Greek word kléos meaning 'fame'. == Inscriptions ==

Michel Fourmont, who visited Greece in the years 1729–1730, described a block of marble with an inscription that was found in the church of Panagia (All Saints) of Merenta. The inscription had been rendered illegible before being used in the church, but it was able to be reconstructed. Front inscription of the kore, confirming the connection between the two. The Phrasikleia Kore and base were reunited after 25 years, and also confirmed that the statue had been made by the artist Aristion of Paros. Before this reunion, Aristion of Paros had been known from a number of inscriptions, however a singular work had never been officially associated with him. The epigram found on the marble base that identified Ariston may be the earliest extant Attic example of a stoichedon inscription, a style of text where letters are evenly spaced and aligned vertically as well as horizontally. == Description ==

The statue is made of Parian marble, and stands 179 centimeters (6.92 ft) high; it rises on a pedestal that gives a total height of 211 centimeters (7 ft) high. As the inscription suggests, it depicts a young woman who died unmarried and therefore must be known forever as a maiden. She is standing erect and wearing a long chiton, decorated with flowers and meanders. Around her waist she wears a girdle. The foreparts of her feet and sandals are visible. Her right arm hangs down and firmly holds onto her peplos. Her left arm is bent in front of her body and holds a still-unopened lotus flower. On her head she wears a garland of flowers, round about her neck a necklace, and on each arm a bracelet. ==Symbolism==

According to Svenbro, the Phrasikleia Kore may be modeled after the Goddess Hestia. As defined in the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, Hestia is explicitly referred to as koúrē, who swears to remain a virgin forever. The hymn claims that Hestia was called upon by Zeus to be honored as a god, rather than to remain on earth to be married. Evidence may be seen when compared to the epigram on the Phrasikleia Kore; "Kore (maiden) I must be called evermore; instead of marriage, by the Gods this name became my fate." It would have been customary to adorn the dead with a floral crown, like the one seen on the Phrasikleia Kore. The crown of lotuses worn by the statue may carry a double meaning: the round shape, with the spear-like lotus buds that make up the crown, may reference the gates of the underworld. representing her status as a virgin and unmarried woman at the time of her death. ==Function==

The primary function of the Phrasikleia Kore was as a funerary statue or votive offering. In this case, Phrasikleia marked the grave of a girl who died unmarried. This is confirmed by the inscription on her pedestal, in addition to the symbolism of the jewelry, peplos, and the lotus flower used on the statue. ==Polychromy==

One reconstruction of the polychromy on Phrasikleia Kore displays an impressive use of eleven different reds, yellows, black, and white pigments. The color of her skin alone uses a mixture of white lead, red ochre, and light brown umber to achieve a mimetic quality. In addition, the statue is embellished with gold and lead foil appliqués. to detect traces of color, engravings and painted patterns, to recreate what the Phrasikleia Kore might have looked like before her burial in the 6th century BCE, according to one recreation. This recreation of the statue may be seen at the Gods in Color exhibit, which travels to major museums around the world. == Gallery ==

File:Kore of Phrasikleia from Merenda near Athens, ca. 540 BC, National Archaeological Museum of Athens.jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore 02.jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore, Atenas, Grecia, 2019 04.jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore, Atenas, Grecia, 2019 06.jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore, Atenas, Grecia, 2019 08.jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore, Atenas, Grecia, 2019 09.jpg|alt= File:Statue of a Kore, Detail (3413644237).jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore, Atenas, Grecia, 2019 02.jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore 01.jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore, Atenas, Grecia, 2019 05.jpg|alt= File:Statue of a Kore (detail, feet) (3413639201).jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore, detalle, Atenas, Grecia, 2019 02.jpg|alt= File:Phrasikleia Kore, detalle, Atenas, Grecia, 2019 01.jpg|alt= ==Notes==