Yves Klein, a prominent French artist known for his pioneering work in the fields of performance art and monochrome painting, created "Victoire de Samothrace" in 1962. This piece is a notable example of his unique approach to art, characterized by his use of International Klein Blue (IKB), a deep, ultramarine pigment he famously patented. Klein's "Victoire de Samothrace" is an adaptation of the ancient Greek statue "Nike of Samothrace," a masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture depicting the Greek goddess of victory, Nike.

Klein's version stands out for its intense, vivid blue color, which transforms the classical figure into a modern, abstract icon. By covering the replica of the "Winged Victory" in IKB, Klein sought to evoke a sense of the infinite and the sublime, transcending the physical form and emphasizing the spiritual and immaterial qualities of the color blue. This choice reflects his fascination with the idea of the immaterial and his quest to depict the unseen forces that shape our experience of the world.

Klein's "Victoire de Samothrace" is not merely a painted sculpture; it represents a synthesis of ancient and modern sensibilities. The original "Nike of Samothrace," celebrated for its dynamic form and sense of movement, is reinterpreted through Klein's monochromatic lens, stripping it of historical context and reimagining it as a symbol of pure energy and presence. This work exemplifies Klein's innovative approach, which often involved appropriating existing forms and infusing them with his signature blue to create something entirely new and deeply evocative.

In Klein's artistic philosophy, blue was more than a color; it was a means to transcend the material world and connect with the infinite. His "Victoire de Samothrace" thus serves as a powerful embodiment of his vision, merging the timeless beauty of classical art with the avant-garde spirit of the 20th century. Through this piece, Klein invites viewers to contemplate the boundless nature of creativity and the profound impact of color and form in art.