When I first laid eyes on her, Winged Victory took my breath away. Displayed in the most dramatic fashion, standing at the head of the sweeping Daru staircase in the Louvre, she was an awe-inspiring sight.
Fast forward some years. While shopping at a Home Goods/ Marshalls,
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| Winged Victory in the Louvre in Paris |
Also called, The Nike of Samothrace, the statue was discovered in 1863, and is estimated to have been created around 190 BC. She was created to not only pay tribute to the goddess Nike, but also to honor a sea battle. She conveys a sense of action and triumph as well as portraying artful flowing drapery through her features which the Greeks considered ideal beauty.
Fast forward some years. While shopping at a Home Goods/ Marshalls,
there
she
was.
I stopped and stared, my eyes wide and mouth open. A clerk asked me if I was OK and I assured her that I was absolutely OK.
It took approximately five helpers in the store to get her into my SUV. The reason is simple. Although she is slender, Winged Victory is made from concrete and, is life-size.
After backing the vehicle up to her new home, the lawyer and man/child got her out. It mattered not that my bumper was dented in the process. Honest. I told you that she is weighty.
It took approximately five helpers in the store to get her into my SUV. The reason is simple. Although she is slender, Winged Victory is made from concrete and, is life-size.
After backing the vehicle up to her new home, the lawyer and man/child got her out. It mattered not that my bumper was dented in the process. Honest. I told you that she is weighty.
She now stands in all her glory in the front yard. Happy to have a home where she is adored, On the other hand, she was quite insulted when a contractor, and then the airport driver mistook her for a fairy. The Nike is sensitive that way.
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| her detailed wing |
As I delved more into her history, I learned that Frank Lloyd Wright loved her as well and used reproductions in a number of his buildings.
Twice, one of her wings collapsed and each time the lawyer repaired her. Thus, she has been left somewhat fragile.
How I love seeing her in her elegant glory each time I go outside and delight that she is there to greet me.
Read more about her fascinating history below and be sure to select English to have the information translated should you need to.
How I love seeing her in her elegant glory each time I go outside and delight that she is there to greet me.
Read more about her fascinating history below and be sure to select English to have the information translated should you need to.
http://www.louvre.fr/en/oeuvre-notices/winged-victory-samothrace?selection=44909
Blessings to you and yours...
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