The Delian Nike and the Search for Chian Sculpture

Is it possible to define an archaic Chian style of sculpture? With the discovery of a winged Nike on Delos (Athens NM 21), soon linked to a base found nearby naming the Chian sculptor Archermos, it was believed that archaeological proof had been found for the family of Chian sculptors mentioned by Pliny in HN 36.11. The enthusiastic claims for a Chian school have now been diminished but there remains an unchallenged belief that the Nike of Archermos still provides the key to the recognition of Chian work. In this article a critical review is made of the evidence for this opinion and the methodology of Chian studies is questioned. The conclusion is reached that Chian style, as it has hitherto been proclaimed, is a mirage.