Winged Victory of Samothrace

Context:

The Winged Victory of Samothrace is a marble sculpture that portrays the Greek goddess Nike, as known as the Goddess of Victory. The sculptor is unknown. Discovered in 1863, the statue was created in approximately 2nd-century BC. It got the name because of the location it was first discovered: the island of Samothrace, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace is a classic representation for The Hellenistic Period, which is often considered a period of transition. The Hellenistic arts are known for its diversity in subject matters and styles. The artwork turned from idealistic and flawless figures to realistic and natural figures with depiction of emotion and character. The Winged Victory of Samothrace depicts the Goddess in a female human shape with a pair of wings. With numerous details, such as the curvy lines, the statue successfully expresses the senses of beauty, power, and movement.

The Hellenistic period is also characterized by the numerous naval battles. These battles were generally between the kingdoms as they fought to control the Aegean Sea. Therefore, massive amount of statues were built as monuments for victory. In fact, Samothrace was an important sanctuary for the Hellenistic Macedonian kings. The most likely battle commemorated by this monument is, perhaps, the Battle of Cos in 255 BC, in which Antigonus II Gonatas of Macedonia won over the fleet of Ptolemy II of Egypt.

What is the artist communicating?

The messenger goddess Victory is depicted in a winged female figure with a base in the ship prow shape. The monument was not only created to honor Nike, the goddess, but also to celebrate the victory in the sea battle. It expresses a sense of motion and triumph through the delicate drapery and pose.

How: The use of Drapery to create the motion and the power of wind

According to the statue, The Victory is wearing a tunic, a dress beneath, and a cloak, which falls smoothly and folds to her feet. The chiton is held in place by the belt placed beneath the breasts. Generating folds over the hips shortens the cloth. The flowing lines of the cloth are depicted with great virtuosity. The composition of the chiton over the left thigh is carved with wrinkles in order to present the scenery of wind blowing and making the light cloth bunched in many fine folds on the Victory’s sides. The sculptor carved the front of the left leg with surface incisions in order to present the drapery of light cloth. Also, the cloak is blown open by the wind. It is also held in the air on the backside of the statue by the sheer force of the wind.

How: the pose and its effect on the expression on motion:

From the statue, it looks like the goddess is descending from the sky and landing upon the prow of the ship. It not only meets the needs of commemorating a naval battle, but also expressing the theme of victory. Although the statue has lost its head and arms, its presentation on the motion remains unaffected. The upper part of the body appears in a position of leaning forward; for the side view, the top point of Victory’s chest along with the wavy outlines of the wings composed a blunt triangle, which strengthens the expression of the forward position.

Why do I find it beautiful?

• The Imperfectness

The statue is not complete. It has lost its arms and head. However, this imperfectness can sometimes be what is unique about this statue. With no limitations, the audience can generate their own understanding towards the statue. Also, they can have their own imaginations over the missing parts. Without boundaries, the statue can be appreciated even more widely.

• The motion in the static statue

There is no doubt that the statue is in static state. What is fascinating is that the motion of wind and the goddess can be sensed under the static condition. The cloak in the air, the twisted and flowing drapery, the delicate folds, and the forward pose all contribute to the expression on motion. These details reflect how the statue well designed and carved, and how the art during the Hellenistic period is focused on realism rather than idealism.

• The transparency of the statue

In the statue, Victory’s cloth is blown under the wind and wraps the body tightly. Each fold is depicted in very fine details. Especially for the area of the stomach, the skin, muscles, and bellybutton can be seen beneath the thin layer of due to of the carved lines and other details. The statue is made of marble. The stone itself is opaque, but through the sculptural techniques, the sense of transparency can be perceived directly.