Definition for Archaic
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Archaic style (6th century B.C.E.) in architecture employs post-and-lintel structure and predominates in temples with imposing vertical posts or columns capped by heavy lintels and a pedimented roof. Fluted, or vertically grooved, columns are also typical. This style has Doric features. Archaic style in painting can be seen in Greek vases. Depictions of the human form appear in three-quarter position, between profile and full frontal. The human eye is depicted fairly realistically. This style also contains graduated registers (bands) that contain intricate and graceful geometric designs. Pottery of this style can be divided into two types—black figure, in which the figures appear in black against the natural red background, and red figure, in which the figures appear in the natural red clay against a glazed black background. Archaic Greek style in sculpture mostly represents freestanding statues of nude youths, known as kouroi. They exhibit a stiff, fully frontal pose. The head is raised, eyes are fixed to the front, and arms hang straight down at the sides, with the fists clenched. The emphasis of these statues is on physicality and athleticism. The shoulders are broad, the pectoral muscles well developed, and the waist narrow. The legs show the musculature of a finely tuned athlete with solid buttocks and hardened calves. Features are simplified, and the posture, despite the movement of one foot into the forward plane, is rigid. Fully dressed female forms in this style are known as kore.
