The Winged Victory of Samothraceis.
The Winged Victory of Samothraceis by far my favourite item in the Louvre. I have kept this review for last and this will also conclude the series of the top “must-see” items in the Louvre.
What makes this sculpture so impressive? For starters she stands at the top of the Daru staircase, towering above all. She almost took my breath away even without a head or arms.The wings and the drapery gives her a majestically look. She is beautiful!
The sculpture depicted the Greek goddess, Nike and dates back to 190 BC. “Nike is the Greek word for victory and she was not just created to honour the goddess but also a sea battle called “Rhodes”.In 1863 it was found in countless pieces on the island of Samothrace. She was put together again and was brought to the Louvre by the French archaeologist, Charles Champoiseau.
When it was put together some pieces, like the right wing for example, did not survive. A plaster copy is now in its place. The cement base beneath the feet is also new. Initially the statue stood on the sculpted prow of the ship. Her arms were never discovered. When she still had her arms, her right arm was raised and cupped around her mouth to shout “Victory!”.
They also never found her head but they did find the fingerless hand and the tip of a ring finger in 1950.The power of the work is enhanced, to many people, by the very fact that the head and arms are missing.
Recent Political History.
Since 1999, the people of the island of Samothrace have written letters requesting that the original sculpture be returned to their homeland so she can once again stand in the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. In response, a gift of a different sculpture was sent to the people of Samothrace and the gift was rejected, being buried in a field along the coast of their island.
I did enjoy my 6-hrs exploration inside the museum. I agree, this is one of the stunning figures inside the museum and the location is very dramatic as well in taking photos! Check it out for my travel journal:http://etravelworld.blogspot.com/2010/10/sojourn-in-motion-inside-louvre.html>Louvre Museum. Merry Xmas!
Hi Reymos, thank you for stopping by to comment. So happy to hear that you share my view regarding this amazing statue! She is so beautiful! I had a look at your blog and left a comment on your Louvre entry. Will be looking forard to read more about your travelling adventures.Merry Christmas!
One of my favourite sculptures at the Louvre and it's so well-palced at the stairs! Very imposing, but not as imposing as it would be in its rightful place of origin. I didn;t know abt the negotiations with Greece over it and it did n;t take me more than 2 secs to decide that the Greeks should get it back. The Louvre has been a good home for it for all these years, but it is part of Greek heritage, not French, and was not a gift, but a treasure taken from them. However, this and the fight for the Parthenon marbles have all made the Greeks and the world pay attention to art and the historic importance of honouring such master-works, so some good has come of this.
Hi Lia, I am still in 2 minds about this. But can you imagine the implication when countries all over the world insist to have their treasures back..chaos!! I am sure you and I will have a nice debate around this one!!! I am just very grateful that the sculpture has been restored (not in full) and it is there for millions to be admired. Please copy and paste this comment in my blog. It is such a healthy comment and should be seen by more people
Lovely work I must say!!!!
Hi Neha, thank you for the compliment! It is really appreciated!!!May 2011 be a blessed year for you with your jewelry!
Hi Neha, thank you for the compliment! It is really appreciated!!!May 2011 be a blessed year for you with your jewelry!
Lovely work I must say!!!!
Hi Lia, I am still in 2 minds about this. But can you imagine the implication when countries all over the world insist to have their treasures back..chaos!! I am sure you and I will have a nice debate around this one!!! I am just very grateful that the sculpture has been restored (not in full) and it is there for millions to be admired. Please copy and paste this comment in my blog. It is such a healthy comment and should be seen by more people
One of my favourite sculptures at the Louvre and it's so well-palced at the stairs! Very imposing, but not as imposing as it would be in its rightful place of origin. I didn;t know abt the negotiations with Greece over it and it did n;t take me more than 2 secs to decide that the Greeks should get it back. The Louvre has been a good home for it for all these years, but it is part of Greek heritage, not French, and was not a gift, but a treasure taken from them. However, this and the fight for the Parthenon marbles have all made the Greeks and the world pay attention to art and the historic importance of honouring such master-works, so some good has come of this.
I did enjoy my 6-hrs exploration inside the museum. I agree, this is one of the stunning figures inside the museum and the location is very dramatic as well in taking photos! Check it out for my travel journal:http://etravelworld.blogspot.com/2010/10/sojourn-in-motion-inside-louvre.html>Louvre Museum. Merry Xmas!