Cypriot limestone head of a kouros

5th century BC
Height: 18.5 c
The finely modelled head with intricate detailing of hair and wreath, serpentine curls
below a crown of leaves and berries. The youth gazes out at us from almond shaped eyes beneath arched brows, the corners of his mouth raised in an enigmatic smile. Traces of blue, black and red polychromy survive.The archaic smile and somewhat static, full-frontal symmetry of these heads derived from late 6th century BC Eastern Greek art. They were intended as votives, set up in temple complexes to stand as continuous worshippers in pace of the dedicant. Wreaths such as
these were worn at religious festivals, further distinguishing the figure as a worshipper.
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Provenance: From Kition (Larnaca), excavated by Dozon between 1879 and 1881;
Collection of Louis Auguste Dozon (1822-1890), and thence by descent.
Auguste Dozon (22 August 1822- 31 December 1890) was a French scholar and diplomat.