The kouros, a male youth figure, is typically depicted in a rigid, frontal stance, with the left foot forward and arms at the sides, reflecting the influence of Egyptian art. The facial features are often idealized, with a serene, almost lifeless expression. Kouroi were almost always in the nude — the museum has only one (partly) dressed torso of kouros.
These figures were often created to honor gods, mark graves, or celebrate athletic victories. They were long considered statues of Apollo until more were discovered in temples and cemeteries not associated with the Olympian deity.