Nike By Paionios

1. Nike By Paionios By Alex Creer

2. Little Bit of Background • The Nike of Paionios was made by Paionios of Mende in Chalkidike. It was dedicated by the Messenians and Naupactians for their victory over the Spartans in Sphacteria, in 425 BC. • The Statue was originally placed on a 10 metre tall triangular pillar • Considered a masterpiece of the late 5th century BC Sculpture • Paionios however was only considered a second rate sculptor.

4. Important Facts • Made from Parian Marble • H. of figure 1.98 m; original H. of monument including pillar 12.0 m and a wing span of around 3 metres • High Classical period when Marble Carving techniques were really developing. • Made around 420BC with the original still surviving • The Germans who found the sculpture in there excavations tried to put it back together. • The statue is also very weathered

5. Bits to notice Clothes blowing in back to show rushing down from the heavens There was a cloak held in the left hand which bellied out like a sail High Classical period so all Archaic factors are gone. Not sure what the right hand held but most likely a palm branch which she is often seen holding as a sign of victory Obviously many pieces are missing as it was put together from fragments There is supposed to be an eagle at her feet showing the element she is moving in

7. Woodford PG150 ‘The Characteristic Linear formal devices of the late 5th century BC – transparency, modelling lines and, most especially, sweeping motion lines – are cleverly deployed to create a vivid illusion. The Nike was shown facing full front, leaning forward a little; the drapery was used to give her flight drama and impact.’