Nike of Samothrace (Winged Victory)

Nike (Winged Victory) of Samothrace, c. 190 B.C.E., Gray Lartos marble (boat), Parian marble (statue), 328 cm high (Louvre Museum, Paris).

A conversation with Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris.

[robinhahnsopran]

This sculpture has always filled me with emotion. The first time I saw it live, I don't think I breathed.

[paulaolson]

I burst into tears when I saw this at the Louvre.

[Micro-Nova]

Absolutely my favourite statue of all times! Thank you for discussing the way she stands so tall. I hope to see her someday in real and appreciate her powerful stance.

[joelrebollar]

I hope you guys are doing well! You make my day brighter every time you post a new video!

[choco-hot-coco]

Watching videos like this is always so heartbreaking. So much has been taken from the Greeks who’ve dealt with so many hardships throughout the centuries. So many valuable and priceless artifacts removed and looted over the centuries.

[jennyhunt]

I love how you explain where it was originally to be seen.

[marqbarq]

I could listen to you too talk art for 20 mins in a stretch. Love the channel.

[lilier]

My favorite Hellenistic piece! I love your work this is a great video!

[JerryFisher]

I am just in the midst of working on a 3D model to share online later and came across this. Talk about inspiration and timing. Excellent episode, as always. Thanks Smarthistory!

[nathanielscreativecollecti]

I keep a marble statue of the Nike on my desk. One of my favorite works of Greek art.

[johnking]

I can only imagine how idyllic and even more stunning this must have looked in its original naturalistic setting. It would have been a real eye catcher for many including those compelled to do it harm. This time we were fortunate not to have to rely on a Roman copy of which I imagine there were a few. The sensual quality of the piece is clearly evident in the way that the fabric, wet with sea spray as the ship's bow plows through a stormy sea, clings to the body. If the sculptor had been even more capable of defying gravity there would be shimmering droplets streaming down as they trail away from the edges of her windblown drapery.

[luckycharm]

I live in an old castle and we have a replica of this statue in our inner backyard. Always loved this statue but never knew who it was.
I read a book about Greek mythology not to long ago and after got into different gods a little bit and when I heard about Nike I almost instantly loved her.
A few minutes ago I was looking out of the window at the statue and wondering who it was based on. I’d known before but when I googled it I was so happy to find out it was her.

[wendysalter]

Exquisite! A timely tribute to the eternal freedom of the spirit even during the censored times we live in (Lack of freedom to travel and lack of freedom of speech).

[supremereader]

Such amazing naturalism. And I love the subtle pinkish white...

[guadalupebravojr.]

I went to Paris on Sept. 2019 and went to the Louvre but didn't go in. I told myself I had to go back to see the Mona Lisa so I went back to Paris in March of 2020. Spent over five hours in the Louvre. That place is huge. Hope to go a third time one day.

[journeymantraveller]

Iconic. Given this ancient culture is the major source of inspiration for the West, there needs to be a complete restoration or a replica.

[banabachung]

Simply breathtaking. This is a kind of greatness today's artists don't aspire to do, and cannot do.

[Simonjose]

The hellenistic period is really incredible.

[joshmyrrhfrankincense]

So thumotic. I'd say that the spirit that inspired this sculpture has been lost, too.

[xxAnaconta]

It's pretty amazing how the wings managed to remain instact