Yves Klein

Exhibited by Sean Kelly

Material IKB pigment and synthetic resin on plaster mold, stone base

Dimensions 21 1/4 x 10 5/8 x 11 1/2 inches (54 x 27 x 29.2 cm)

Status Not Vetted

About the Work

In 1962, Yves Klein reinterpreted the iconic Nike of Samothrace, one of history’s most celebrated Hellenistic sculptures and a staple of the Louvre collection, symbolizing triumph and movement. Enveloping the replica in his patented International Klein Blue (IKB), he transformed the classical figure into a modern, abstract icon, stripping it of historical context to emphasize the spiritual and immaterial qualities of color. Through this work, Klein sought to evoke a sense of the infinite, merging ancient and modern sensibilities to explore the boundless nature of creativity and the profound impact of form and hue in art.