ART.
This spirited group by Canova, in the Torloni Palace, Rome, represents Hercules throwing Lichas into the sky. The poisoned garment clings most painfully to his body. The lion skin and club have slipped to the base of the altar upon which he was about to offer sacrifice.
Winged Victory.
“Nike the Victorious.”
“The herald Nike first,
From the dim resting place unfettered burst
Winged victory over fate and time and death.”
STORY.
A HEAVENLY MESSENGER.
The Goddess of Victory was the daughter of the giant Pallas and the Oceanid nymph Styx. Her attributes were a wreath, a palm branch and a trophy of armor. Sometimes she carried a staff as a sign of her power. She floated in the air with outstretched wings or appeared coming down to earth—now pointing the way to a victor, now placing a wreath upon his brow.
“Haste! haste! bring olive—
A people’s tribute for the people’s hour;
The gods themselves decree
To give the immortal dower.”
—Annie Fields.