Winged Victory

Copied Daniel Chester French, Winged Victory, modeled 1921, bronze, 21 5810 1210 18 in. (54.926.625.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Cass Gilbert, Jr., 1973.166
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Winged Victory
Date
modeled 1921
Dimensions
21 5810 1210 18 in. (54.926.625.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Cass Gilbert, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure female — full length
  • Fantasy — winged being
  • Allegory — other — triumph
  • Object — other — flag
Object Number
1973.166

Artwork Description

Winged Victory is one of several bronzes that Daniel Chester French had cast from a maquette, a smaller model usually made of wax or clay. Near the Old Executive Office Building in Washington, a three-foot version sits atop a column commemorating American soldiers who fought in World War I. French based the sculpture on classical images of Nike, the goddess of victory. Her upraised hands holding a flag pay tribute to the men who sacrificed their lives to liberate Europe.