Nike of Samothrace in Louvre

[ Previous ] [ Up ] [ Next ]

Photo taken in June 2003.

This statue has a powerful majestic presence about it, and really needs to be seen in person to do it any justice. The only other time that I've had a feeling like this was when I was standing amongst the giant columns of Karnak in Egypt.

The statue is in the Louvre in Paris, France,  and is called "Victoire de Samothrace", sometimes called "Winged Victory of Samothrace".

The Greek goddess of victory is called Nike, so the statue is also known as "Nike of Samothrace", and is thought to have been commissioned to commemorate a naval victory about 300 BC.

I came across a copy of this statue at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The Art History at Loggia | Nike of Samothrace provide a very good description about the history and mythology surrounding this statue. Well worth a look.