Nike of Samothrake campaign hits one million

A while back, I shared the famous statue of Nike found in Samothrake and currently on display in the Louvre in Paris, France, is getting a four million euro restoration. The operation is worth 4 million euros, one more than originally scheduled, of which three are to be provided by sponsors. The Louvre has called on companies and private donors to provide funding for the rest of the money with the campaign 'Tous mecenes!', and today, I have very happy news to report: the final million has been raised!

[Credit: ANSA]

The Archaeology News Network reports that some 6,700 individuals made donations to the drive to raise funds for the restoration since its launch date on September 3.

An international restoration commission comprised of French and international experts is in charge of the project, which is expected to be completed by June next year. Its members were apprised of the scope of project, entailing restoration of the monument in coordination with renovation of the Daru Staircase and including scientific analyses by various labs, a visual survey by the CNRS of the blocks of the ship, and a 3D digitizing program.

At the current time, the Louvre reports that scaffolding has been erected around the Victory to make it fully accessible. Small window-like sections of the statue are squared off for cleaning with water. Meanwhile, further analyses are being carried out on the statue and boat, complementing those conducted in September. The 19th-century metal staples and mortar joints have been removed from the blocks that make up the boat. Cleaning has begun, revealing the variety of finishes produced by the ancient craftsmen's different tools.

I, for one, cannot wait for the end result.