Elon Musk was left in awe by the ancient Greek sculpture “Winged Victory of Samothrace.” Reacting to a thread of stunning classical sculptures posted by an X user, the billionaire innovator reposted an image of the iconic statue—currently housed at the Louvre Museum—captioning it simply with one word: “beauty.”
Musk’s followers echoed his sentiment, praising the brilliance of ancient Greek art and lamenting the lack of comparable works today.
31 Weeks before Elon reposted the famous “Victory of Samothrace Greek” or the Goddess Nike, the famous Statue was featured in the Olympics Closing Ceremony with the GOLDEN VOYAGER.
I’m not sure of the meaning, but it was a big deal in the final moments.
What do you think? https://t.co/5nJ5fFmDtk pic.twitter.com/vW5hR5Y14G
— JacobIsrael71 (@JacobIsrael71) March 16, 2025
The Winged Victory of Samothrace is widely considered to be one of the most exquisite sculptures in the entire world.
Winged Victory of Samothrace unearthed in 1863
Unearthed in 1863 on the small, beautiful island of Samothrace in the northwest Aegean, it is one of the Louvre’s most visited sculptures. However, you can find a faithful replica of the sculpture on the island today.
Created in the 2nd century BC, using Parian marble, it is a stunning depiction of Nike, the goddess of victory, and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Hellenistic art.
The statue is believed to have been commissioned to celebrate a major naval victory, possibly by Rhodes or another Greek state. It originally stood on a stone ship’s prow, symbolizing triumph at sea.
The statue is missing its head and arms, leading to speculation about its original pose. Some theories suggest Nike held a laurel wreath or a trumpet, symbolizing victory. Despite these missing elements, its majesty remains undeniable.
It has inspired countless artists, from the Renaissance to modern times. It has been referenced in fashion, film, and literature as a symbol of grace and power.
Related: How the Winged Victory of Samothrace Escaped From the Nazis
Art historian Kenneth Clark called it “the greatest masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture,” emphasizing how it conveys movement and energy unlike earlier Classical works. The flowing drapery and outstretched wings create a sense of momentum, as if Nike has just descended from the heavens.
The art critic E. H. Gombrich noted its ability to evoke a “feeling of divine intervention,” reinforcing Nike’s role as a goddess of victory.
The art historian Andrew Stewart praised its “almost cinematic sense of movement,” noting that the statue engages the viewer from multiple angles.
Samothrace, a small, rocky Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea, has a storied past that belies its diminutive size. One of the most rugged of all the Greek islands, its Mt. Saos rises to 1,611 meters (5,285 feet).
Related: How Nike of Samothrace Inspired the Rolls-Royce Emblem