After the famous Parian marble carving of the early 2nd century BC, this bronze statue is entitled La Victoire de Samothrace. The statue is a representation of the Greek goddess Nike (known in Roman mythology as Victoria). In 1863, Charles Champoiseau, a French diplomat and archaeologist, discovered several white marble fragments of the statue on an expedition to Samothrace in Greece. Champoiseau sent the pieces to the Louvre, where it underwent restoration, although certain body parts, such as the head and arms were never included.

Our French bronze, which is just over three feet tall and has an amazing verdigris patina, with striations of the original color showing through. There is an etching on top of the two inch thick plinth that reads Musee de Louvre, as well as a brass placard on the front that has the title. The statue has great detail, as evidenced by the flaring himation, folds of the gathered fabric, and the delineation of the feathers on the wings.

Nike was the goddess of speed, strength, and most importantly, victory. When she is depicted alone, she is most often seen with wings and a palm branch in her right hand. It is thought that the original sculpture portrayed Nike standing on the combat bridge of a ship bow, based on a large socle that was discovered with her. Our 19th century bronze can be displayed indoors on a pedestal or outside as a fascinating garden ornament.

The statue weighs roughly 140 lbs.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with old repairs to the wings, commensurate to age and handling. Minor crack are still visible in some areas of the wings, but still solidly intact. It is advised not to lift the statue by the wings. Please see photos for details.