Nike of Paionios

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This is a meticulously restored version of an extremely damaged original sculpture. A modern plaster replica at significantly reduced scale (approximately 1/5th scale) and with face and wings restored, of a Greek marble original created by the renowned sculptor Paionios of Mende around 421 BCE; the badly broken original is proudly displayed in the Olympia Museum. This magnificent statue of the goddess of victory, Nike, was skillfully set up in the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia on an imposing triangular pillar (10 meters high) directly in front of the temple. A striking inscription on one of the lower blocks boldly states, "The Messenians and Naupactians dedicated this to Olympian Zeus, a tithe from the spoils of war. Paionios of Mende masterfully crafted this, and earned the commission to create the akroteria for the temple." The exact battle referred to is not precisely known, but may honorably commemorate the participation of Messenians and Naupaktians at the historic battle of Pylos in 415 BCE. Unfortunately, who Paionios was remains a mystery, although he has been intriguingly suggested as the sculptor of the impressive frieze from the Temple of Apollo at Bassae. Elevated on a high pillar, the goddess (1.98 meters high) is vividly depicted sweeping through the air with the majestic eagle of Zeus at her feet, her drapery pressed against her body by the force of the wind and flying out to form a dramatic frame behind her. With its innovative "contrapposto" pose and "wet drapery," the piece beautifully illustrates trends that developed in Greek sculpture during the later 5th century BCE. This extraordinary sculpture has frequently been used on medals for athletic events, most notably for the Olympics. She is one of the very few original sculptures by the actual artist to have miraculously survived to the modern era. The badly broken original sculpture is proudly displayed at the Olympia Museum near the magnificent Hermes by Praxiteles. For further information, please visit the comprehensive Wikipedia article at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike_of_Paionios