Today we visited the museum and grounds of the original Olympic Games.  More will be coming tomorrow regarding our stay in Ancient Olympia.  However, it is only fitting to post a picture of Nike for all our Oregon followers.

This stature is currently in the museum but used to be on a pillar outside the Temple of Zeus (a short distance from the entrance of the Olympic stadium).  Nike is the goddess of victory.  The wings are missing from this stature but were outspread in the original sculpture.  It was typical for Nike's wings to be spread as she hovered over the victor(s) of competition.  Our guide commented on how the Greek sculptors were able to capture movement in their works.  In this case, Nike appears to be be moving forward.  Several of us also commented on the imagery.  For instance, the lines on her thighs give the impression of a thin garment pressed against her leg as she is moving forward.   The picture does not quite do the work justice.  It is pretty impressive in person.