The Peplos Kore: Niobid Krater

The Peplos Kore, is a free standing, fully clothed female figure who may have been depicting a Greek goddess. The Peplos Kore is clothed in a peplos, which was worn by women of the highest status, covering most of the contours of the body giving the figure a columnar effect. Although the figure is idealized, the garments that cover the Peplos Kore allow the artist to provide the soft female form more naturally compared to the muscular bodies illustrated by the male kouros. The Peplos Kore was kept inside a temple, so the polychrome remained. Traces of red paint are seen on the plaited hair of the figure. This plaited hair comes from similar Mesopotamian artworks. The Peplos Kore is an Archaic Greek figure with the iconic Archaic smile and prominent …show more content…
In Greek art women figures were painted in paler hues, while male figures had a darker reddish brown skin tone. Unlike the Peplos Kore, the Niobid Krater is a severe style artwork, revealing the transition from the Archaic period to the Classical era. There is a greater degree of movement in the figures of the Niobid Krater. Although the warriors’ bodies are illustrated quite stiff, there is slight natural movement with the unique contrast between profile and three-quarter views. The stylistic characteristics illustrated are thought to have been influenced by Greek wall paintings. The women in the portion of the Niobid Krater is the goddess of the hunt and daughter of the goddess Leto, Artemis. Artemis is displayed holding her bow, using the other arm to reach for another quiver. Artemis is illustrated with delicate folds of her drapery. Artemis is most likely not seen striding forward as in ancient Greek society females are not seen as strong and powerful. The vase overall illustrates the great contrast the Greeks loved between complex and plain, and both techniques and imagery are used to convey these