What ancient sculpture of a winged goddess is housed in the Louvre?

The ancient winged-goddess sculpture housed in the Louvre is the Winged Victory of Samothrace, also called the Nike of Samothrace. It stands at the top of the Daru staircase in the Denon Wing.

The monument represents Nike, the Greek personification of victory, landing on the prow of a warship. It was probably created around 190 BC during the Hellenistic period and dedicated at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods on the island of Samothrace. Its dramatic pose, windblown drapery and spread wings make the sculpture appear to move forward even though the head and arms are missing.

French diplomat Charles Champoiseau discovered major fragments on Samothrace in 1863 and sent them to the Louvre. Later excavations clarified that the grey marble blocks formed the ship-shaped base. The statue and base were reconstructed in Paris, and the monument has been displayed at the top of the Louvre staircase since 1884.

It is often confused with the Venus de Milo because both are celebrated Greek sculptures at the Louvre. The Venus lacks arms, while the Winged Victory lacks its head and arms; only the latter is the winged goddess.