The Winged Victory of Samothrace: Majestic Guardian of the Louvre Steps

The Winged Victory of Samothrace , one of the Louvre's most iconic sculptures, depicts the Greek goddess of victory, Nike , in full motion. Discovered in 1863 on the island of Samothrace, this imposing marble statue is over 2,000 years old and now stands proudly at the top of the Daru staircase, impressing visitors with its dynamism and expressive power.

This masterpiece, created around 200-190 BC , is one of the most beautiful creations of Hellenistic art. It symbolizes naval victory, with its outstretched wings and folds of drapery that seem to move in the wind. This masterpiece is both a tribute to military victory and an impressive example of the artistic mastery of Greek sculptors of the time.

A fascinating discovery

When discovered on the island of Samothrace, Victory was found in several pieces, mainly its body and wings. Its base, in the shape of a ship's prow, reinforced the idea of ​​a commemorative statue to celebrate a major naval victory. The missing head and arms were never found, adding an aura of mystery to this triumphant figure.

Today, its placement at the top of the Daru staircase, where it towers majestically over visitors ascending the steps, is carefully chosen to capture the impact the statue must have had when it stood enthroned on a sanctuary in Samothrace. The Louvre's theatrical and dramatic layout pays tribute to the work's grandeur.

The power of the unfinished

Much like the Venus de Milo , the Winged Victory of Samothrace draws some of its power from its missing elements. The absence of a head and arms forces the viewer to focus on the dynamic movement of the goddess and the details of her clothing. This incompleteness arouses even more fascination and allows each viewer to imagine the original posture and gesture of this majestic goddess.

The visual impact of the statue, combined with the legend it carries, has inspired many contemporary artists to rethink the notion of movement and grace. The Winged Victory of Samothrace is not only a representation of military victory, but also a celebration of human resilience, through trials and triumphs.

Discover in our online gallery contemporary works that explore these themes of strength, movement and triumph, inspired by this ancient icon.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace , also known as Nike of Samothrace , is one of the most impressive and iconic works of art in the Louvre Museum. Known for its majestic appearance and iconic location, it is often considered the guardian of the Louvre's famous steps.

Origin and discovery:

• This sculpture, which dates from the Hellenistic period (around 200-190 BC ), represents the winged goddess Nike , the incarnation of victory.
• It was discovered in 1863 on the island of Samothrace in the Aegean Sea by French archaeologist Charles Champoiseau .

A monumental work:

• The statue is over 5 metres high, including its base in the shape of a ship's prow. It celebrates a naval victory, probably commanded by the inhabitants of Rhodes.
• What makes it unique is its dynamic position: Nike seems to descend from the heavens, with her wings outstretched, and her tunic is molded by the wind, accentuating the impression of movement and power.

The mystery of the missing parts:

• Like the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace is incomplete . Her head and arms are missing, but this has never diminished her grandeur. Her dynamic posture and the precision of the details are enough to convey the power and majesty of the goddess.

Location in the Louvre:

• The Winged Victory of Samothrace is installed at the top of the great Daru staircase , where it majestically dominates the visitors. This position reinforces the impression that it is the guardian of the steps .
• Its location in the heart of the Louvre makes it one of the museum's focal points, attracting millions of visitors each year. From its perch, it seems to invite spectators to climb the steps towards history and art.

Symbolism and influence:

• The Winged Victory of Samothrace is not only a masterpiece of ancient Greek art, but also a universal symbol of triumph. It continues to inspire artists and writers, and its influence transcends time.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace embodies beauty and strength, while retaining its air of mystery, making it one of the most iconic statues in the Louvre.