Winged Victory Research Paper

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The Winged Victory of Samothrace was sculpted around 200 BC to commemorate a naval victory by Rhodes, but also to honor the goddess Nike and pay tribute to the very concept of Victory. The sculpture is both reverent and triumphant, still and in motion, connected to the land and the sea. She reminds us today, just as she must have thousands of years ago, that Victory means more than just winning. The Winged Victory is a monument of a winged woman standing on the prow of a ship. This winged woman is Nike, the goddess of victory. Nike is wearing a tunic that is held by two belts, one at her waist, which looks like rope or cording, and the other below her breasts. Her tunic is thin material and clings to her body. You cannot see Nike's body,…show more content…
Right after being discovered in 1863 by Charles Champoiseau, the French Vice Consul to Adrianople, she was shipped to France for restoration. She was missing a head, arms, breast and one wing. Her destination was the Louvre Museum for all the world to share. At the start of World War II, the Winged Victory, along with other treasure of the Louvre was moved to avoid being looted by the Germans. The Winged Victory was taken undercover into the Chateau de Valencay along with the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo’s Slaves. After the war, the Winged Victory of Samothrace was restored back to the Louvre and that is where she stands today. The significance of the Winged Victory has changed over time. When the sculpture was first created, she was meant to be significant to the Rhodes people celebrating the victory of a naval battle. Today, her significance has expanded to include anyone that feels the pride of victory or simply wants to admire her classical form. Her lack of a head leaves some ambiguity, allowing viewers to put their on views on her. She is the color of marble and lacking in any features, so despite her stillness, she can take on many meanings. The Winged Victory appeals and is inspiring to everyone, no matter what you look like, or who you are, not only will you win, but you can be
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