Nike from Acropolis Greek Mythology Sculpture Wall Relief from Acropolis, Two Sizes

A Nike Wall Relief From the Acropolis, in Two Sizes

This Nike wall relief shows Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, in the style of the Acropolis carvings. It comes in two sizes. The large relief is antique white, which is white with an ochre wash. The small relief is museum white, cast in white and then washed in yellow and grey.

Product Details

• Large size, material: Lightweight interior design foam, finished to look aged
• Large size, finish: Antique white (white with ochre wash)
• Large size, dimensions: 37 in H x 21 in W x 5 in D, 16 lbs
• Large size, product number: 4079_37MW
• Small size, material: Plaster
• Small size, finish: Museum white, with a yellow and grey wash
• Small size, dimensions: 15 in H x 9.25 in W x 2 in D, 5 lbs
• Small size, product number: 4079_15MW
• Display: Hanging mount on the back of each size

The Temple of Athena Nike

The original carvings decorated the parapet of the Temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis in Athens. The parapet was a railing about 4 ft high, carved in fairly high relief. It dates to about 410 BC. Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, appeared several times on it. The carvings faced the walkway up to the Acropolis. They are attributed to the workshop of Agorakritos and now belong to the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

How the Two Nike Reliefs Differ

Both pieces are modern replicas inspired by the ancient carving. The large Nike wall relief has deep crevices, so it reads as aged stone from across a room. It is lightweight and easy to hang. The small relief is plaster, which is heavier than foam. The small size also suits a classroom, as Greek wall sculpture for home study or teaching. Find companions in our Greek Roman Wall Hangings collection.

About High Classical Greek Sculpture

The High Classical period in Greek art peaked in the late 400s BC. Sculptors showed idealized bodies under drapery that seems to cling and move. On the Nike parapet, thin cloth reveals the figure beneath. A Nike wall relief carries that elegance into a modern room as Greek wall sculpture for home display.

For More Reading from the Web

• Want to see how a sculptor made stone drapery look weightless? This essay explores the panel of Nike adjusting her sandal. Nike Adjusting Her Sandal - Smarthistory