Headless statue in the Louvre. The history of ancient Greek sculpture of the Nika of Samothrace. Sculpture of the Nike of Samothrace in our time

This beautiful lady is quite young - about 2204 years old. Compared to many other young ladies of similar origin, she is still very young. Nika arrived at the Louvre from the island of Samothrace, in the Aegean Sea (according to one of the myths, this island was the residence of Poseidon), where in 1863 she honored the Vice-Consul of France and amateur archaeologist Charles Champoiseau, appearing before his clear eyes not far from city ​​of Andrinople. True, the found statue did not have a head. I wonder if it’s at the bottom of the sea or in someone’s collection?

History of the discovery

By the way, restorers assembled the goddess of victory from the fragments only in 1884. The right hand of the statue will be found by German archaeologists only in 1950. Nika Samofrayskaya was in no hurry to greet humanity. La Victoire de Samothrace is one of the Louvre's greatest treasures. And it is exhibited just like that, standing at the top of the Daru staircase leading down, against a bare wall, to further emphasize the fact that true diamonds are good even without a setting. Look what Nike of Samothrace looks like. The photo, unfortunately, will not show us the true, slightly golden color of the marble, more like slightly tanned skin than a cold stone. In comparison, the gray marble at the foot seems alien.

History of the statue

The Greek sculptor Pythocritus (although not all researchers are sure of this interpretation) created it around 190 BC. e. in honor of unnamed Greek naval victories. This was the time when the Romans, under the pretext of “returning freedom to the Greek cities” from the Macedonian invaders, quickly spread their political and financial influence throughout all the policies of Greece. And against this background, this one lands on the Samothrace rocks. Although, again, some historians believe that the statue was created precisely in honor of the victory of Antigonus II Gonatas over one of the Ptolemies, who reigned on the ruins of Alexander’s empire in 263 BC. e. And there is also a version that the goddess Nike of Samothrace was “born” in Rhodes, in honor of the victory over the Syrian fleet. But the story of her appearance on Samothrace must then be more complex. The word Rhodhios (Rhodes) carved on the pedestal speaks in favor of the latter version. The pedestal under the statue represents the nose of a warrior and perhaps it really has nothing to do with the goddess and the sanctuary of the Kabiri.

About archeology and geography

At the time when it was found, excavations were carried out on the territory of the sanctuary of the Kabirs. These are gods who were not part of the classical Greek pantheon. During the Hellenistic era, many Greeks gathered for the Samothrace Mysteries, dedicated to the mentioned deities. The sculpture of Nike of Samothrace was brought by the Greeks as a gift to the Kabiri. Archaeologist Charles Champoiseau was the French consul in the East for a long time and managed to gain the trust of both the Greek peasants and the Turkish authorities. Only this can explain the fact that the Greeks showed him the place where the statue was hidden, and the Turks allowed it to be transported to France. During World War II, the Nike of Samothrace was taken from the Louvre and hid in the dungeon of one of the medieval castles, Valence, located near the Loire in southeastern France. The choice of castle is interesting. In 1803, it was bought by Prince de Talleyrand - one of those historical figures about whom we can only say that he knew more about us than we did about him.

Everything about her

The unkind Erich-Maria Remarque in “The Arc de Triomphe” believes that the Nike of Samothrace is “a cheap symbol of emigrants and people without a homeland.” Let's try to figure out what exactly led him to this conclusion? At the same time, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, visiting the Louvre, called Nika “an amazing, inhuman creation.” For all the difference in epithets, there is something common in these terms - a shade of alienation of the goddess to this world. It is not for nothing that her mother is an oceanid of the kingdom of death as the mother of Victory - an unexpected analogy for the Greeks, more typical of the Egyptian and Hermetic tradition. It is not for nothing that Nike was sometimes depicted with the rod of Hermes in her hand.

Nika and art traditions

According to ancient Greek mythology, Nike of Samothrace is the daughter of an Oceanid and a Titan. Her figurine was often depicted in her hands. This is almost the only case of the presence of another deity next to the lord of lightning. Another hint at the original foreignness of this particular image of the official Greek religious tradition. But it’s interesting how close she is to all classical art... It seems that almost all the later angels and archangels were painted with Nike. Whether this particular statue or a similar one could have been seen is unknown. But it is precisely this that causes the greatest hatred among fans of mechanized modern art. Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, in the “Futurist Manifesto” published in 1908, declared: “... a roaring machine, the engine of which runs like large buckshot, it is more beautiful than the statue of the Nike of Samothrace.” However, a figurine of Nicky is on the radiator of almost all luxury Rolls-Royces.

Daru staircase of the Denon gallery.
What to look at: Ancient Greek marble statue of the goddess of victory, created by an unknown sculptor around 190 BC. as a sign of Greek naval victories. Made of Parian marble, Nike stood high on a sheer cliff at the bow of a ship carved from gray Larthian marble (Rhodes). The statue of the Nike of Samothrace is the pride of the museum, and humanity has not yet created a better symbol of victory. Nike from Samothrace immediately became an icon and symbol of art. This is definitely one of the pinnacles of creative life and one of the most famous images. Sculptors and architects turn to the image of the flying goddess; cups and emblems are cast in her form. The statue of Nike of Samothrace, depicting the goddess of victory, shows: not only gods can be immortal.

At first the statue stood in the common hall, but later it was decided to move it to the turn of the Daru staircase, which effectively emphasizes its swiftness and impetus. When a visitor climbs the steps of the Denon entrance, passing a small vestibule, he passes into the Manege. Directly in front of him stands the statue of the Nike of Samothrace. She is alone on the landing, against the backdrop of a bare, almost ascetic wall. It is best to approach this outstanding work of ancient art slowly, then walk around it without taking your eyes off it, observing how its effect on a person changes - from the swiftness of flight to the confidence of victory. If you approach Nika in the evening, you can see how, as a result of powerful spotlights, she glows and seems almost transparent.

Nika makes an indelible impression on anyone who sees her for the first time. She seems to be all directed towards the future. An unknown ancient sculptor made a motionless stone come to life. Next to Nika, every person feels very small. The goddess hovers above the surrounding space and at the same time, as if striving to meet people. She is the embodiment of victory, she proclaims it.

Nika has just landed on the bow of the warship and is still trembling all over from the uncontrollable, impetuous movement. The transparent fabric rises easily on her high chest, and below it hugs her body, slender and elastic. The folds of the chiton wrap around the goddess’s hips, mix with each other and suddenly frantically rush along the leg, which is slightly set back. Strong wings rush towards the wind, the cloak flutters, it seems that one more moment - and Nika will take off again.

Fragments of this statue were discovered by the French amateur archaeologist Charles Chamoiseau in April 1863 on the island of Samothrace on the territory of the Cabiri sanctuary. That same year she was sent to France. After all the parts were collected, it turned out that the goddess had no head. She was never found. Already in the 20th century, in 1950, a hand made of the same marble was found not far from the excavation site. Some scientists decided that this is one of the missing fragments of the statue, others strongly disagree. Now this find is also on display in the Louvre, right behind the statue of Nike.

However, despite the fact that the goddess is devoid of head and arms, the shapes of her body are so expressive that the viewer forgets about the missing parts - such is the magic of plasticity. But still, the Louvre restorers didn’t just piece Nika together. Her right wing is skillfully sculpted from plaster, being a copy of the left one. Using computer graphics, it was possible to reproduce both the head and hands. It is believed that the right hand, raised upward, held a cup, wreath or forge. However, it was decided not to restore them. When a plaster copy of the entire goddess was made, and it turned out that in its full form it does not produce the same effect on humans. That is why it was decided not to add the missing body parts to her. These failures in restoration force us to admit: Nika is beautiful just like that, she is perfect in her imperfection. By the way, the same story happened with the Venus de Milo, which stands in the next room. Scientists were able to reproduce the lost hands of the goddess - and she instantly lost her mystical charm, turning into one and a number of statues similar to her.

During the Second World War, when fascist troops entered France, it was decided to remove the Louvre collection from Paris. The dungeons of old castles located in rural areas, far from military roads, were best suited for hiding masterpieces. Most of these castles were in a dilapidated state, which is what the bet was placed on - they say, no one would even think of looking for hidden masterpieces in the ruins. One of the last to be exported was Nike of Samothrace. They feared most of all for her, assembled from separate pieces.

Here is a quote from the diaries of the then director of the Louvre, Georges Salle:
“And so the winged goddess left her “bow of the ship” made of stone, where, according to legend, the ancient Greeks, going to the enemy, erected statues of gods who promised them good luck, in order to “fly away” to the castle of Valence... in the south-east of France. For her transportation, a wooden inclined bridge equipped with a frame was built from available materials." Nika spent five years in hiding, only to return to the capital in triumph at the end of 1944, once again becoming a symbol of victory.

Nika inspires writers, artists, poets...
“The huge hall with its stairs was coldly approaching him. And suddenly Nike of Samothrace soared high above everything. She stood high above the stairs, on the fragment of a marble ship, stood in the glare of spotlights, sparkling, with wings spread wide, ready to take off. in the wind, her clothes tightly hugged her forward body... And it seemed that the wine-colored sea of ​​Salamis was rustling behind her, and above it stretched a dark velvet sky, full of expectation.
Nike of Samothrace knew nothing about morality. She was not tormented by any problems. She did not experience the storms raging in her blood. She knew only victory or defeat, seeing almost no difference between them. She didn't seduce, she beckoned. She didn't float, she floated carelessly. She had no secrets, and yet she was much more exciting than Venus, who covered her shame to arouse desire. One was akin to birds and ships - wind, waves, horizon. She had no homeland. Yes, she didn't need it. She felt at home on any ship. Her elements were courage, struggle and even defeat: after all, she never despaired. She was not only the goddess of victory, but also the goddess of all romantics and wanderers, the goddess of emigrants, unless they laid down their arms... A cheap symbol? But what else in life touches as much as cheap symbols, cheap feelings, cheap sentimentality? After all, what made them cheap? Their undeniable persuasiveness."(E.M. Remarque "Arc de Triomphe")

In April 1863, by the French consul and amateur archaeologist Charles Champoiseau. That same year she was sent to France.

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✪ Nike of Samothrace, ca. 190 BC e.

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Subtitles

We are in the Louvre, on one of the main staircases. Before us is a statue of Nike of Samothrace, created in the second century BC. e. Yes, during the Hellenistic period. The sculpture is very large - 9 feet in height. It got its name because it was found on the island of Samothrace, in the north of the Aegean Sea. The sculpture was discovered in a sanctuary in the harbor. Its location created the illusion that the wind blowing on the coast was fluttering the folds of the goddess's outfit. So she never stood on the bow of the ship? No. She stood on the bow of a stone ship on the temple grounds. Nike is the goddess of victory. Goddess-messenger, announcing victory. In some reconstructions, the statue of Nike is depicted as a messenger with a bugle. This image had a huge influence on Western art. During the Hellenistic period, the restrained, high classical style became a thing of the past. And a new style emerges, sensual, dynamic, filled with energy that literally overflows. This sculpture seems to be moving in several directions at the same time. Her feet are on the ground, but her body is directed forward. The torso is rotated a little more around its axis, the wings are spread. You can feel the wind blowing towards her, fluttering her clothes, and they fit her body, going in folds. This is reminiscent of the images on the Parthenon frieze created several centuries earlier. Right. But unlike the calm, relaxed figures of the Olympians, energy is felt in this sculpture. The goddess seems to oppose the forces of nature. Environment. Exactly. And the wind blows around her, just as it would blow over us if we were standing there. Look how the fabric hugs her body, wrinkles, and the light plays in the folds. And the texture of the wings is completely different. Marble allows you to create many different textures. Hellenistic culture explored, admired and used the human body to create expressive works of art. Subtitles by the Amara.org community

Time of creation

Description

It was created in honor of the goddess of victory Nike and victory in the sea battle. She stood on a steep cliff above the sea, her pedestal depicted the bow of a warship. The powerful and majestic Nika, in clothes fluttering in the wind, is presented in an unstoppable movement forward. A beautiful figure shines through a thin transparent chiton, striking the viewer with the magnificent plasticity of her elastic and strong body. The confident step of the goddess and the proud flap of the eagle's wings give rise to a feeling of joyful and triumphant victory.

Currently, the Nike of Samothrace is located on the Daru staircase of the Denon gallery in the Louvre. Code: Ma 2369.

The statue is made of Parian marble, the ship is made of gray Larthian marble (Rhodes), the right wing is a plaster reconstruction. The head and arms of the statue are missing. During further excavations, other fragments of the statue were discovered: in 1950, a team of archaeologists led by Karl Lehmann found her right hand, which was under a large stone, near where the statue was found.

Mikhail Tskhakaya, who visited the Louvre with Lenin, recalled: “At the foot of the statue of the Nike of Samothrace, a Greek sculpture - a symbol of victory, Lenin said in a whisper: “Look, dear Mikha, at this miracle of ancient Hellenic culture. Amazing, inhuman creation!’” K.G. Paustovsky, visiting the Louvre for the first time, paid attention to only three exhibits, one of which was this sculpture.

The Greeks turned out to be very resourceful in their idea of ​​​​depicting Victory in the form of a winged woman. Today this image is known throughout the world.

The magnificent Nike of Samothrace, an ancient Greek marble sculpture of the goddess of Victory, is one of the most valuable exhibits of the Louvre. It was found on the island of Samothrace on the territory of the Cabiri sanctuary in April 1863 by the French consul and amateur archaeologist Charles Champoiseau. That same year she was sent to France. Currently, the Nike of Samothrace is located on the Daru staircase of the Denon gallery in the Louvre. The statue is made of Parian marble, the ship is made of gray Larthian marble (Rhodes), the right wing is a plaster reconstruction. The head and arms of the statue are missing.

The sculpture of the goddess of victory was erected on the island of Samothrace in memory of the naval victory of the Greeks over the fleet of the Syrian king. The figure of the goddess stood on a high cliff above the sea on a pedestal in the shape of the bow of a warship. The powerful and majestic Nika, in clothes fluttering in the wind, is presented in an unstoppable movement forward. The confident step of the goddess and the proud flapping of her wings give rise to a feeling of triumphant victory.

She is different, depending on where you look at her from, but always - flying, winged Nike. Unfortunately, the head and hands of the statue were not found. But how wonderful is what, fortunately, was found! The master makes one feel the strong sea wind blowing towards Nike, strong gusts of which agitate the folds of the goddess’s clothing, outline the beautiful shapes of her figure and make the hem of her cloak swirl. The elements of the sea, strong winds, and vast expanses are embodied in the plastic forms of the statue.

In order to get a good and correct look at the Nike of Samothrace, you need to approach it slowly and, without taking your eyes off, walk around it to the right and left. If time permits, you should return to it in the evening and admire it again. Under the influence of strong spotlights, marble begins to glow and acquires amazing transparency.

None of the works of ancient sculpture makes a stronger impression. Nika seems to be a wonderful symbol of a person’s aspiration to the future. This impression is enhanced by the fact that the statue is beautifully displayed. She stands alone on the landing, against the backdrop of an ascetically bare wall. Wide, calm steps rise up to it measuredly. People around Nika seem small. The goddess hovers above them and at the same time is directed towards them. She announces victory and is herself its inspired personification.

How did the ancient sculptor depict the goddess of victory? Winged Nike seemed to have just landed on the bow of the ship and was still full of impetuous movement. It is especially felt when looking at the statue on the right. The light fabric rises on the high chest, and a little lower it almost fits the body, emphasizing its slimness. Around the hips, the folds of the chiton begin to round, run over each other and, finally, frantically rush along the leg set back. They are echoed by wings and a fluttering cloak. Another moment, and Nika will fly again - you experience the same feeling when the music gradually begins to rise and fades on a very high note. When you stand right in front of Nika, the impression changes. There is more peace and balance in the statue, but the dynamics do not disappear - the fresh wind throws back the unruly folds of clothing and sways them. Nika is ready to flap her mighty wings at any moment.

In museums and galleries around the world you can find many copies of the Nike statue; one of the most famous is located in front of the Caesars Palace casino in Las Vegas. The "Spirit of Ecstasy" - a figurine on the radiator of a Rolls-Royce - is also made in the image of Nicky. The first World Cup, played by the International Football Association FIFA in 1930, was also made in the form of Nika, the project of which was proposed by Abel Lafleur.

The Nike of Samothrace was greatly loved by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who placed its reproductions on the roofs of buildings he built, including Ward Willits House, Darwin D. Martin House and Storer House.

Nike of Samothrace(II century BC) - ancient Greek marble sculpture of the goddess Nike, found on the island of Samothrace on the territory of the Cabiri sanctuary in April by the French consul and amateur archaeologist Charles Champoiseau. That same year she was sent to France.

The statue was erected by the inhabitants of the island of Rhodes in memory of the victory they won over the fleet of the Syrian king. It stood on a steep cliff above the sea, its pedestal depicting the bow of a warship. The powerful and majestic Nika, in clothes fluttering in the wind, is presented in an unstoppable movement forward. A beautiful figure shines through a thin transparent chiton, striking the viewer with the magnificent plasticity of her elastic and strong body. The confident step of the goddess and the proud flap of the eagle's wings give rise to a feeling of joyful and triumphant victory.

Currently, the Nike of Samothrace is located on the Daru staircase of the Denon gallery in the Louvre. Code: Ma 2369.

The statue is made of Parian marble, the ship is made of gray Larthian marble (Rhodes), the right wing is a plaster reconstruction. The head and arms of the statue are missing.

Notes

Links

• “Nike of Samothrace” in the Louvre database (French)

Categories:

• Sculptures in alphabetical order
• Sculptures based on Greek mythology
• Sculptures of Ancient Greece
• Sculptures from the 2nd century BC. e.
• Sculptures from the Louvre collections

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See what “Nike of Samothrace” is in other dictionaries:

NIKA OF SAMOTHRACE- Greek marble statue of the flying goddess of victory. She stood on a rock on the seashore (Samothrace Island). Located in the Louvre... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

NIKA OF SAMOTHRACE- Nike of Samothrace, Greek marble statue of the flying goddess of victory, work of an unknown artist. The winged goddess of Victory was installed on a high cliff on the small island of Samothrace in memory of the victory over the fleet of the Syrian king.... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Nike of Samothrace- marble Hellenistic statue in the Louvre (c. 190 BC). Apparently, a trophy of the naval victory of the Rhodians over the Syrian king Antiochus III (see on the binding of the Directory). D.M. (Ancient culture: literature, theater, art, philosophy, science...

Nike (goddess)- Nike Nike (Nike, Greek Νίκη) in ancient Greek mythology, the goddess of victory, daughter of the Titan Pallanta and Styx. According to Arcadian legend, the daughter of Pallant (son of Lycaon) was raised ... Wikipedia

Nika- I Nika (Nike), in Ancient Greece the personification of victory; often an epithet of the goddess Athena, to whom the temple of Nike on the Athenian Acropolis is dedicated. Statues of Nike in the form of a messenger of the gods descending from heaven were erected in honor of victory in war, sports and... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Nika- Nika Temple. Acropolis. Athens. NIKA (Nike), in Greek mythology, a winged goddess, the personification of victory, the messenger of Zeus and Athena. Also an epithet of Athena as the goddess of victory (winged Nike is an attribute of Athena, who was depicted with a figurine of Nike in her arms). … … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Nika- 1. Nike, (Greek victory), Greek. goddess, personification of victory. According to Hesiod, daughter of Pallanthus and Styx. She was usually depicted with wings and a victory wreath. Since Hellenism, coins with her image have often been minted. To the most... ... Dictionary of Antiquity

Nika (Nike)- (Greek Nike) in Greek mythology, the personification of victory, often an epithet of the goddess Athena, to whom the temple of Nike the Wingless was dedicated on the Athenian acropolis, built according to the design of the architect Callicrates in honor of the victorious completion of the Greco-Persian... ... Ancient world. Dictionary-reference book.

NIKA Dictionary-reference book on Ancient Greece and Rome, on mythology

NIKA- In the Greek pantheon - a goddess personifying victory. According to Hesiod, Nike is the daughter of Pallant and Styx. Nike was depicted with wings and a wreath, which she carries to the winner. In antiquity, there was a custom to decorate the bow of a ship with the figure of Nike. This custom... List of Ancient Greek names

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