Which culture is known for the first statues to depict smiles?

The Archaic Greeks are recognized for being the first culture to create statues that depicted smiles, often referred to as the "Archaic smile." This style emerged around the 7th century BCE and is characterized by a slight upward curve of the lips, which was a significant departure from earlier artistic representations that emphasized a more rigid and serious expression. The introduction of this smile was symbolic, representing life and vitality, and it aimed to convey a sense of idealized beauty and humanity in sculpture. The Archaic smile can be seen in notable sculptures such as the kouroi and korai figures, which reflect the cultural values and artistic advancements of the time.

In contrast, the Renaissance Italians, known for their realism and emotive expressions, focused more on human emotion and individualism, while the Baroque French emphasized dramatic action and grandeur in their art, often portraying more intense expressions. Egyptian art was primarily focused on rigidity and formality to represent deities and pharaohs, adhering to a strict set of conventions that did not include smiling figures.