Nike Of Samothrace Winged Victory Sculpture

Nike Goddess of Victory of Samothrace Sculpture. Original made of marble 3 meters (feet 10 inches high) Greek-Rhodium School. About 3rd century B.C. In 1863, the France Consul to Adrianople, M. lCh. Champoisseau, excavated on the Island of Samothrace several hundred fragments of a colossal statue that, assembled and partly restored, became one of the most celebrated art treasures of the world. Later he also brought back to France the original pedestal, high stone blocks forming the prow of a ship, which indicated that the monument was erected in commemoration of a navel victory. Years of discussion amount archaeologists yielded no decision as to which historical event it may have refereed. Unknown too is the name of the artist. It has been said that, although the work must be dated much later,it shows the great style of the School of Phobias. The opinion prevails that it was completed about the beginning of the third century by a follower of Scopas, who is known to have worked at one time in Samothrace. What is certain is that only a master could have so perfected the contrast between the tumultuously floating material and the energy and elegance of the body revealed through the almost transparent garment; only a master could have shaped these tons of stone into a from so weightless to the eye that looking up to its present emplacement at the top of a flight of stairs, one has the delightful anticipation of seeing it take off into space at any time. The original is in the Louvre, Paris, France. Goddess and winged messenger of victory in ancient Greece, Nike symbolizes effort and determination against all odds. She is also recognized as a mediator between gods and mortals. Athenians dedicated her statue in Delphi following a naval victory over the Persians in 480 B.C.