The ancient Greek sculpture of the Nike of Samothrace was taken away for restoration, the Associated Press reported on September 3 , citing representatives of the Louvre.

The statue of the winged goddess of Victory will remain under restoration indoors at the Louvre until June 2014. After that, it will be returned to its original place: the landing of the Daryu staircase.

During the restoration work, the craftsmen will have to return the marble sculpture and the pedestal, made in the shape of the bow of a ship, to their original white color. A total of project of the statue. 4 million euros have been allocated for the restoration

The statue of the Nike of Samothrace was created in the 2nd century BC by an unknown sculptor. In 1863, it was discovered on the island of Samothrace by the French diplomat Charles Champoiseau. After this, other fragments of the statue were found on the island - for example, a hand with two fingers, which is now kept in the Louvre. Archaeologists also discovered fragments of the right wing of the Goddess of Victory. They are located in Greece.

In the 19th century, a right plaster wing was added to the statue of the goddess, symmetrical to the left marble one. Experts believe that the wings of the statue were originally asymmetrical. “They were most likely made in different sizes to highlight which direction the dominant winds were blowing on the island. If we discovered the sculpture today, we certainly would not add the same plaster wing,” said Bonna Wescout, who is leading the excavation of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods.

The Nike of Samothrace was taken away for restoration