Nike of Samothrace is one of the most famous of all Greek sculptures. Commonly called the "Winged Victory-, because Nike was the Greek goddess of victory, is a perfect symbol of the war-dominated Hellenistic Age. Carved to appear to be striding into the wind, the female form emerges with wildly agitated draperies and soaring wings.
The wings from just behind the shoulders were sculpted with fine detail and utilize the mass that adds to the strength of Nike. The statue was carved free hand from Paros marble and stands eight feet tall.
Surviving many earthquakes, wars and weather the statue suffered considerable damage over the years. When the statue was found in 1862, it was in 200 pieces. The left wing and right breast were restored. Both arms and head are missing and the right foot is gone. Nike required three years of restoration and even still many cracks, nicks, and cuts remain.
Originally part of a sculptural group on the mountainous island of Samothrace, inside the area called Sanctuary of the Great Gods, there was a fountain and a reflecting pool, where Nike was to sit. The wind from the North Aegean sea causing small waves in the pool would have made the marble sculpture look natural and causing a realistic appearance. The intended display was as beautiful as the sculpture itself.
Although there were no actual eyewitnesses, one hundred percent fact documentation, "The Winged Victory-, is thought to have been sculpted in commemoration of the great naval battle of Ptolemy off Cypriot Salamis, led by Demetrius. The discussion of why "The Winged Victory- was erected will probably go on for another hundred years, but the question of who sculpted the statue and in what style is still an unsolved mystery. Many believe the marble on the base is Rhodes and it is generally believed that the sculpture was made by a Rhodian, the style is debated.
Today the sculpture is part of the collection of the Louvre in Paris.
