Collection: Athens, Acropolis Museum
Title: Nike from the Nike Parapet Frieze
Context: From Athens, Acropolis
Findspot: Excavated at Athens, Areopagos (the lower fragment was found on the Northeast slope of the Areopagos [Agora S 1759] and joined to the upper fragment by Harrison).
Summary: Nike, perhaps bringing a gift to Athena?
Material: Marble
Sculpture Type: Architectural
Category: Separated fragments
Placement: Frieze
Style: High Classical
Technique: Medium relief
Original or Copy: Original
Date: ca. 420 BC - ca. 400 BC
Dimensions: H. 0.44 m; W. 0.35 m
Scale: Under life-size
Region: Attica
Period: High Classical
In Whole: Nike Parapet Frieze

Subject Description: Nike, standing in 3/4-view to the left, wears a chiton with shoulder straps, and rests her left hand on her hip. This Nike may have stood in front of the Athena represented by Athens, Acropolis 991. She offers an object, perhaps the helmet represented by Athens, Acropolis 1001, to the goddess.

Form & Style:

Nike's pose recalls the Leaning Aphrodite Type.

This figure may have come from position 26 or 28 on the South side of the Parapet.

Condition: Fragmentary

Condition Description: Two joining fragments comprise the torso, both arms, and thighs of Nike. The surface is slightly scratched, with some adhesions.

Material Description: Pentelic

Associated Building: Athens, Temple of Athena Nike

Sources Used: Brouskari 1974, 159, fig. 336

Other Bibliography: Harrison 1960, 376-78, pl. 83a; Carpenter 1929, 47, 49, pls. 19, 20.1, 33.4; Casson 1921, 171 no. 28