Kora of Sicyon


Kora or Callirhoe is believed to have been born between 700 BC and 601 BC in the Greek city, Sicyonia. She was the daughter of Dibutades of Sicyon, a potter and sculpture of the time.
Kora wore a veil when she went to the flower market but occasionally some of her face would be revealed. Dibutades had suitors flock to his work studio to await a glimpse of his daughter's beauty, and while they were there, they praised his work. One young man asked to learn from Dibutades and thus become his apprentice. The young man became close to the father and daughter and the night before his apprenticeship was over, Kora desired a portrait of the man she loved. She took coal and drew the face of her lover. Dibutades immediately recognized the likeness and quickly filled his daughters portrait with his clay. This was considered to be the first relief and was kept preserved for only 200 years in Corinth.
Kora's lover became her husband and reached artistic fame in Corinth. Her father, Dibutades became so famous for creating the first relief that many cities claimed to be his birthplace.
Kora of Sicyon is considered to be the first female artist that there is evidence of.
Kora and her father are mentioned in Pliny the Elder's Natural History.