Winged Victory of Samothrace

Passing by the Daru staircase, I was mesmerized by the Greek Goddess Nike.

One of the treasures inside the Louvre Museum since 1884 is the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It is also called the Greek Goddess Nike.  I was stunned by its "headless" beauty.  I had to go near the statue so I can truly appreciate its graceful figure. And I was blown away big time!  It was estimated that it was erected in 190 B.C. upon the orders of the Macedonian general Demetrius | Poliorcetes after his naval victory at Cyprus.

Look at her graceful pose, amidst war and violence, there is grace and peace.  The draped garments signal the rippling, heavy sea breeze but her stance is one of stillness.

One look, I found an instant connection.  Art communicates to us in a language that is so unique, personal and universal.  Without the arms and head, the wings give us hope that there is divine triumph and the human spirit will continue to live on.   Life is beautiful.