AFTER THE ANTIQUE, CIRCA 1880, ATTRIBUTED TO THE CHIURAZZI FOUNDRY, NAPLES

This model may be found in the Chiurazzi catalogue: Fonderie Artistiche Riunite, J. Chiurazzi & Fils - S. De Angelis & Fils, number 4997, p.210, and described as Victoire aux ailes tendues et dont le bras droit est perdu.

Nike, the personification of Victory as a winged female figure, was the messenger of the gods, a kind of angel, who descended to earth to crown the victor in a contest of arms, athletics or poetry.