Description
For the ancient Greeks, Nike, a young winged woman, personified victory ; she is represented standing here, her wings unfolded towards the heavens, on a base with an inclined surface. She is dressed in a peplos fastened at her shoulder and tied with a cord just below her bosom. The young woman’s pose, the movement of the peplos and the position of the wings may indicate that she has just alighted on the ground. The rendering of the face is a bit impersonal and idealized (indeed, her traits recall several portraits of Faustine the Elder, the wife of Antoninus Pius), and the large folds of her peplos are reminiscent of the sculptures in the local style of the Levant (Syria and Jordan), whence this piece probably originated.
REFERENCE #
SI_RM_1060
CIVILIZATION
Roman, 200 A.D.
SIZE
H. 21.5 cm
CONDITION
Tips of the wings and neck rejoined, otherwise in fine condition
PRICE
$30,000
PROVENANCE
Found in Jordan river valley, Jerusalem private collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Nike is the ancient Greek personification of victory, often depicted as a young winged woman. She symbolizes triumph and success in various endeavors, especially in battle and athletic competitions.
The statue shows Nike standing with her wings unfolded towards the heavens, dressed in a peplos fastened at the shoulder and tied below the bosom. Her pose and the movement of the peplos suggest she has just alighted on the ground, symbolizing a moment of victorious arrival.
The face of the statue is idealized and somewhat impersonal, resembling portraits of Faustine the Elder, wife of Antoninus Pius. The large folds of the peplos reflect the local sculptural style of the Levant region, indicating the statue likely originated from Syria or Jordan.
This statue of Nike originates from the Roman civilization and dates back to around 200 A.D., reflecting the artistic influences and cultural exchanges of that era.
The statue stands 21.5 cm tall. It is in fine condition overall, with some restoration where the tips of the wings and neck have been rejoined.
The statue was found in the Jordan River Valley and was part of a private collection in Jerusalem before being made available for sale.
The Nike statue is priced at $30,000, reflecting its historical significance, condition, and provenance.
