Hellenistic Art, part 3

I left off discussing the eroticism in this era, but vicory and nobility in defeat are equally important. There is one piece which personifies all that is triumphant.
The Nike of Samonthrace (190 BCE) by Phidias is the perfect example. I should probably say explain what a Nike is first. A Nike is was a goddess who personified triumph throughout the ages of the ancient Greek culture. She is known as the Winged Goddess of Victory. The Roman equivalent is Victoria.
Originally she was placed on a cifftop overlooking the sea. And she even sees to have been designed that way. Her wings flap in the wind and her drapery is swept behind her. I love the way it bunches and folds. The setting amplified the effect the artist was trying to convey.
The damage done to this piece leaves some to be desired. The head and arms have never been recoered but we do have an idea of what those pieces were doing. Her right arm was probably raised to her face, the hand cupped as she shouted a cry of victory. The left arm was most likely outstretched like one would in a battle. Its a beautiful piece and moving. I feel like I can actually hear the spalshing water when I look at it.
While victory was often portrayed, so was defeat and tragedy; like the story of Lacoon and his sons.

This piece; Lacoon and his sons (various dates have been suggested for the statue, ranging from about 160 to about 20 BCE) was sculptued by Agesander, Athenodoros and Polydorus.
The story behind this a classic Greek tragedy. Lacoon had attempted to expose the ruse of the Trojan horse and serpents were sent by Poseidon to punish Lacoon and his sons.
We can see the intensity of the struggle. You see one serpent biting into Lacoon's left hip and him crying out in pain. And you can also feel his agony as his sons suffer alongside him, punished for the acts of their father. This piece is actually a bit reminiscent of the great friez on the Altar of Zeus at Pergamon.
Many have attributed some homoerotic ideals to this piece, and while the Greeks are known to be "boy lovers" this idea was mostly very far from the minds of the scultors.
After seeing all these pieces I have to wonder why some would disregard this era. The art shows amazing work and talent; its dramatic, emotional, sensual and powerful.