Ancient Greek Art and Architecture (10th-1st centuries B.C.E.)

Inspired by "Grave Stele of a Little Girl," ca. 450 B.C.E.

Though we think of Greek sculpture as minimalist and pure white, it was originally painted in vivid colors, with an emphasis on realism. (Hence the stories of statues so real-looking people fell in love with them.) Sometimes layers of translucent paint were used, so the stone beneath shone through, to make it look more like real skin. Unpainted statues would have been seen as unfinished.

This stele was commissioned by the girl's parents, who must have been very wealthy. Poor people wore white clothing, because it was cheaper, but the rich flaunted their wealth by wearing brightly dyed clothing, decorated with woven patterns and embroidery.

Grave stele typically showed the deceased saying goodbye to loved ones. In the case of children, they were often shown saying farewell to beloved pets. Doves, for this little girl.