The Winged Victory of Samothrace, Research Paper Example

The Winged Victory of Samothrace is structured in a sophisticated manner as demonstrated by the unique use of angles employed on the wings which ultimately result in the creation of a spiraling effect. In regard to shape, the location of the left leg additionally enhances the structure’s unique form. The subject being displayed is a nude goddess dressed in wet apparel which is reminiscent of similar artwork created in the fifth century BC. Similarly, clothing styles which were popular in the fourth century are depicted in this sculpture through the location of the cord seen below the woman’s breasts. Historically, The Winged Victory of Samothrace was constructed in remembrance of battles of the Rhodians or the battle of Myonnisos. However, evidence suggests that the sculpture was actually created by the Rhodians due to the type of ship used in the sculpture (Winged Victory of Samothrace Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities | Louvre Museum, n.d.).

Moreover, the overall structure of She-Wolf is created from bronze and the piece of art is around three feet tall (Sullivan, 2006). The work’s subject matter serves the purpose of reinforcing the idea that the Roman’s motherland is not only powerful, but also very protective and loyal. In terms of its significance, She-Wolf is representative of the historical impact the twins, Remus and Romulus, have over Rome. The two orphan twins were rumored to have been raised by the she-wolf which provides an understanding into the reasoning behind the naming of the structure (Romulus, 2008). Occurring during 753 BC, the dramatic tale of events behind the birth of Remus and Romulus tie together and account for a large portion of Rome’s history. With that said, She-Wolf encapsulates the previously mentioned historic importance of the events in a beautiful, well-known sculpture.

References

Sullivan, M. A. (2006). She-Wolf, Capitoline Museum. Images of the She-Wolf in the Capitoline Museum. Retrieved June 19, 2010, from http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/italy/rome/capitolinemuseumone/shewolf.html

Romulus. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2010 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Romulus.html

Winged Victory of Samothrace Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities | Louvre Museum. (n.d.). Site officiel du musée du Louvre. Retrieved June 19, 2010, from http://www.louvre.fr/llv/oeuvres/detail_notice.jsp?CONTENTcnt_id=10134198673225805&CURRENT_LLV_NOTICEcnt_id=10134198673225805&FOLDERfolder_id=9852723696500817&bmLocale=en