Materials and craftsmanship

Material: Marmo di Carrara ricomposto

Made in: Italy

Dimensions and weight

Height: 37.5 cm

Width: 29 cm

Depth: 26 cm

Weight: 3.8 kg

Description

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, also known as the Nike of Samothrace, is one of the most iconic and celebrated sculptures of antiquity.

This marble reproduction captures the majesty and dynamism of the original work, created in the 2nd century BC and traditionally attributed to the sculptor Pitocrito. The original, about 2.5 meters tall, was carved from Parian marble and, according to some hypotheses, may have originally been enriched with decorative details now lost. It is currently displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The work represents the winged goddess Nike, symbol of victory, and is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Hellenistic art. Famous for its extraordinary depiction of movement and expressive power, Nike is portrayed as she lands on the prow of a warship.

The outstretched wings and the drapery of the garment, which seems moved by the wind, create an impression of lightness, energy, and vitality. The statue is missing its head and arms, a detail that paradoxically enhances its charm and mystery, evoking the image of an eternal victory, capable of surviving time and every obstacle.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Nike of Samothrace is the way the garments seem to cling to the body, highlighting the muscular tension, movement, and dynamism of the figure.

Features

Material: reassembled Carrara marble
Finish: hand-patinated
Base: marble
Dimensions: 37.5 x 29 x 26 cm
Weight: 3.8 kg
Production: made in Italy

Since this is a hand-worked and finished material, the product may show slight differences compared to the images.

Historical Curiosities

The Nike of Samothrace was discovered in 1863 by the French archaeologist Charles Champoiseau on the island of Samothrace, in the Aegean Sea.

The work was probably erected to celebrate a naval victory. It is believed that the sculpture may have been commissioned to honor a victory of the Rhodian fleet in the 2nd century BC, although the precise circumstances remain uncertain.

Also noteworthy is the mythological relationship linking Nike to Zeus: according to tradition, the king of the gods chose the goddess of victory as an ally during the war against the Titans. Nike thus became the divine symbol of triumph, strength, and success.

Maintenance

To preserve the beauty of the marble statue, it is recommended to clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth.

Avoid using harsh chemical products that could damage the surface. If necessary, use a solution of lukewarm water and neutral soap, drying immediately with a clean cloth to prevent the formation of streaks.

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