Module 2
Male Harp Player from Keros, c. 2600-2300 B.C.E., Early Cycladic period, marble, 22.5 cm high (National Archaeological Museum, Athens) https://smarthistory.org/male-harp-player-from-keros-early-cycladic-period/
Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, "Male Harp Player from Keros," in Smarthistory, December 15, 2015, accessed September 2, 2021,
Located in the Archeological Museum in Athens a small sculpture of a man holding a harp while seated on a chair is up for view. This sculpture in particular is at least 5000 years old. In the Cyclades there have been about 10 of these sculptures discovered. Mostly female figures, limber and long, were found in graves. We have no records of where these were found or how they were found. Made out of marble, the sculpture is very dynamic yet lacks fine detailing. It is clear that the maker wanted to use a different technique on these pieces. All body parts or all parts of the sculpture where there would be curves are rounded out. The hands aren’t attached to the body yet their arms are being held above as if he was playing the harp. His head seems to be pointing upwards as if he's getting in the flow. The sculpture has a precise posture and is appealing at first glance.
This is a very wonderful piece! I wonder why the artist made it without hands? I also wonder why they chose to not have fine detailing on this sculpture? I think that even though it is more abstract it is a very pretty piece. I also think the marble was a good material choice and helps show the figure better than what another material would.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful observation of a beautiful piece of art. It really makes me wonder what the purpose of this sculpture was, being that it was found in graves. Maybe it was a piece meant to give peace to spirits as they passed on to the next world?
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