Victory 1892 - 1903

Augustus Saint-Gaudens crafted this bronze sculpture, titled "Victory". She is an allegorical figure adorned with classical motifs, most notably the laurel wreath and wings that echo Nike, the Greek goddess. Winged figures can be traced back through antiquity, from the Mesopotamian lamassu, to the Egyptian depictions of Isis and Ma'at. In each instance, the wings signify divine power, protection, and the ability to transcend earthly bounds. Here, the palm branch she carries is an ancient symbol of triumph and eternal peace. Observe how the artist renders Victory with a forward-leaning posture, embodying the emotional intensity of moving forward, breaking free from the weight of the past. This stance is also a modern echo of motifs that harken back to the Hellenistic period. A collective memory of these symbols affects the production and interpretation of the image. The visual language of "Victory" reveals the cyclical nature of symbols that resurface across time, evolving to reflect the cultural zeitgeist.