Winged Victory

Copied Daniel Chester French, Winged Victory, modeled 1921, bronze, 21 5⁄8 x 10 1⁄2 x 10 1⁄8 in. (54.9 x 26.6 x 25.7 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 5⁄8 x 10 1⁄2 x 10 1⁄8 in. (54.9 x 26.6 x 25.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Cass Gilbert, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • 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.