The Winnged Victory of Samothrace on top of its original battleship prow shaped base and pedestal. Greece, c. 200 BC. We ignore when it was carved, by whom, or to commemorate what, but it is certainly one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world…

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, also known as the Nike of Samothrace, is one of the greatest masterpieces of Hellenistic Greek sculpture.

Created around the 2nd century BCE, it depicts the goddess Nike, the personification of victory, descending dramatically with outstretched wings. The statue originally stood on a base shaped like the prow of a battleship, placed atop a pedestal, symbolizing a naval triumph.

This dynamic composition not only celebrates military success but also conveys a powerful sense of movement and divine presence, making it an enduring icon of ancient art.