In any European capital city around the world you will find Nike. It is no coincidence
that London, capital city of the United Kingdom and centre of what was the 'Victorian
era' displays this goddess throughout its great metropolis.
On the Victoria monument in front of Buckingham Palace she stands triumphant above queen Victoria, an earthly regent
overseen by the Greek Goddess of victory herself. Victory of course being the Roman name for Nike - in the empire
that adopted her as their own, as indeed did the Victorians after them.
The Napoleonic Wars saw the heroes of the British army and navy triumphant. These heroes are celebrated
in sculptures on monuments such as Wellington Arch. Within St. Pauls Cathedral you will find sculptures
of the fallen embraced by 'Victory' (Nike).
Above: Nike in St. Pauls Cathedral, London.
Nike is on Marble arch. She is on memorials commemorating the first world war as well as more modern examples such
as Selfridges in London. This has 'the queen of time' an art deco Nike holding a Nike from classical antiquity.
Above: Nike Marble Arch, London.
Above: Nike supports Lord Nelson while Athena looks on, Greenwich, London.
Above: Nike triumphant on her chariot. Wellington arch memorial, London.
Nike Worldwide
Nike is also found worldwide. On civil war monuments in the USA. War memorials in Canada. Embodied
as Angels of peace from South America to Australia. She even appears in Japan as a manga character.
She is the universal symbol of Victory. On Olympic medals and football trophies. Nike inspired the Rolls
Royce silver lady figurine. She is so ingrained into our world that we forget her classic pedigree. Religions
have adapted her physical attributes into Angels. Nike is the messenger of victory: - 'Angelos'
(from the Greek, meaning messenger).