Archaic Greek sculpture is best described as which of the following?

• A. Stiff human statues
• B. Geometric shapes
• C. Idealized portraits
• D. Dynamic movement

Answer: (A)

Archaic Greek sculpture is defined by a formal, frontal stance and a rigid, schematic depiction of the human body. Sculptors produced kouroi and korai that stand with even weight, limbs held stiffly at the sides, giving a statuesque, non-naturalistic presence rather than a moment caught in action. The slight Archaic smile helps animate the face, but the overall pose remains static. These figures emphasize an idealized youth as a universal type rather than individualized portraits, which is why dynamic movement belongs to later styles. In short, stiff, upright statues best describe this era.