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The Winged Victory ( Nike ) Of Samothrace

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The Winged Victory (Nike) of Samothrace is a powerful statue built by the Greeks around 190 BC. She was discovered on the Island of Samothrace in the northern Aegean. This statue stands at 10.76 feet which is very tall for a woman. She stood on the bow of a ship, poised and ready for action. The sculpture procures the strength and beauty of a woman. The pose, constitution, and her make up all contribute to the works powerful statement.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace is made with Parian marble. The texture of the marble assists in the illusion of motion. The marble showcases its versatility in this piece. While often smooth and cool to the touch, there are many areas where the marble is used to create many different textures. For example, the texture gives the sculpture depth that adds to the realistic features of the drapery. Furthermore, Nike’s wings are also created by folds and divots allowing the shadows to create a three-dimensional feel. It always amazes me how an artist can take a chunk of rock/mineral and create a piece so vibrant and full of motion.
Standing in front of this sculpture, the viewer can feel the wind whipping around them and the sea spraying you in the face. The energy and motion add to the dramatic effect that immediately draws the viewer in. This dramatic effect is created by the lines of the figure. Nike’s elongated wings catch your eye and create a lengthy transverse line which adds to the drama. The drapery that clothes the figure has the same

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