Victory

Although many say no one wins in war, there are traditionally winners and losers.  A victory in war means that one side has defeated another, but there are many varieties of victory.  In the Narmer Palette, the victory is more ritual based and religious.  In the Dying Gaul the victory is more somber because the Greeks are honoring their defeated enemies.  In the Nike of Samothrace the victory is one of pure celebration.  Although these three pieces are all of victories from the winner`s point of view they are very different in purpose and tone.

The Narmer Palette

The Narmer Palette tells the story of king Narmer of ancient Egypt.  It is a story of victory for the king and his greatness is recognized throughout the piece.  His size tells us that he is of great importance, as does the approval of the gods watching over him.  With the sacrifice he is about to make, he is ending the war.  Throughout this piece it is apparent that Narmer has power over his defeated enemies and this victory is one of ritual and celebration.  The many decapitated men suggest that a great battle was won, and the two animals represent the united Egypt.  The tone of this piece is very celebratory and ritualistic as the victory over Narmer`s enemies is of great importance.

The Dying Gaul

The Dying Gaul tells the story of a Celt who is mortally wounded in battle with the Greeks, and despite his pain and agony, dies with great honor. This man was struck and wounded in the side and knew he was going to die so instead of crying out, he remained composed and sat on his shield to die with honor.  The Greeks saw this and admired the courage and dignity of this warrior despite the circumstances.  The Greeks won this battle but yet this sculpture portrays the loser.  This shows that the Greeks appreciated honor and human courage even in their enemies.  The tone of the Dying Gaul is a more somber and respectful tone of victory, because although the Greeks won, they are honoring their fallen enemy.  

 

 

The Nike of Samothrace

This statue depicts the goddess Nike who is the goddess of victory.  During battle, she would come aboard the victor`s ship and cry out, signaling the end of the war.  During a naval battle, Nike came down from the heavens and proclaimed the Greeks the winners.  This piece has a joyful, celebratory tone because the Greeks are rejoicing that they have won, and that the goddess Nike has appeared to them.  This victory is one of rejoicing and celebration and of honoring the goddess Nike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although there is always a victory following a war or battle, each  victory is unique and has its own tone whether it be celebratory, respectful, mournful, or ritualistic.