The Winged Victory weathervane featured here was one of our more challenging commissions. Our customer wanted a completed version of the famous marble sculpture of Nike in the Louvre Museum (see photo above left, bottom). The only problem is that the original is currently missing her arms and head! It was a rather daunting prospect to add such important appendages to a world renowned masterpiece. However, we persevered and you see the results of the project here.

 

Our Winged Victory of Samothrace is shown with optional gold leaf on her face, arms and feet. We also included laurel wreaths which are typically made of interlocking branches and leaves of the Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae), an aromatic broadleaf evergreen. In ancient Greece wreaths were awarded to victors, both in athletic competitions, including the ancient Olympics, and in poetic meets. The laurel wreath on her head and in her extended hand were leafed with palladium. Our customer also requested that we make her with translucent glass jewels for eyes (see detail photo of her face while under construction).

 

     

Please click on the thumbnails above to view larger images.

 

Customer  Photos of Winged Victory Weathervane Installed

 

Our customer was kind enough to send us photos of her once he had installed her on top of his new arbor. Here is a quote from the note he sent to us along with the photographs: "

Finally!  I finished putting up the Winged Victory just last weekend.  She looks beautiful.  We built a specially designed arbor just for her.  I am planning on growing some fine New Mexico vinifera on it next year.  I’ve been visiting some vineyards that are willing to sell a few cuttings.  I hope you are all doing well.  I included a few pictures of the Victory.  She has been inside until now, so looks almost new.  I have received a lot of complements and even a few people who think I should keep her inside.  I explained that she was made to be into the wind! "

 

In Greek mythology, Nike (which means Victory) was a goddess who personified triumph throughout the ages of ancient Greek culture. The daughter of Pallas (Titan) and Styx (Water), she was one of the attendants of Zeus and served as his divine charioteer. Nike is often depicted with wings and represents strength, speed and victory.