Material Marble
Dimensions 100 × 38 × 25.5 cm
Price Available upon inquiry
Status Not Vetted

About the Work

The Peplophoros Kore is a Roman marble sculpture from the 2nd century AD, inspired by earlier Greek artistic traditions. It represents a kore, meaning “young woman,” a common type in ancient Greek sculpture used not as a portrait but as an idealized figure symbolizing youth, beauty, modesty, and piety.

The figure stands upright in a frontal and balanced pose, giving it a formal and almost timeless quality. Her right leg bears the weight while the left is slightly bent, introducing a subtle sense of movement that softens the otherwise rigid symmetry. This combination reflects a transition from the strict, static style of early Greek art toward more naturalistic representation.

She wears a peplos, a traditional Greek garment made from a large piece of fabric fastened at the shoulders. The sculptor has paid particular attention to the drapery, carving deep, flowing folds that cascade down the body. These folds create a rich play of light and shadow, adding depth and texture to the surface. At the same time, the clothing conceals the body beneath, emphasizing modesty rather than anatomical detail—an essential feature of kore figures.

Although the sculpture follows Greek models, it is not simply a copy. It belongs to an archaistic Roman style, in which artists intentionally revived and reinterpreted older Greek forms. While the pose and composition remain faithful to Greek prototypes, the treatment of the drapery is more elaborate and decorative, reflecting Roman artistic tastes.

Originally, korai were placed in sanctuaries as offerings to the gods or used as grave markers. In the Roman period, however, such statues were also displayed in private villas and gardens, where they signified cultural refinement and admiration for Greek antiquity.

Overall, the Peplophoros Kore illustrates a blend of Greek ideals and Roman reinterpretation. Its restrained posture, intricate drapery, and symbolic meaning demonstrate both technical skill and a deep connection to classical artistic heritage.

Show moreless

Provenance

In a European private collection from the17th or 18th century, judging by restoration techniques.
Then in an English private collection, Ceylon House, 10 St Andrews Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire. The sculpture was on display in the garden before 1955.
Passed down by succession until the end of 2024.

View artwork at TEFAF New York 2026

View Full Floorplan