Nike of Paionios
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Nike continues to serve as a symbol of victory, although in a more subtle and generally unrecognized sense. The shoe company Nike chose that name in order to associate themselves with the idea of victory in athletics and the famous swoosh of their logo is supposed to represent Nike's wings. In many ways Nike also celebrates the victory of beauty and perfection because of the high quality of some of the statues of Nike which have been found.
This, for example, is the Nike of Paionios, created around 420 BCE by Paionios of Mende in Chalkidike and dedicated by the Messenians and Naupactians for their victory over the Spartans in Sphacteria in 425 BCE. It once stood in front of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia and is the only original example of high classical Greek sculpture that still exists.
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