So, you’ve finally seen Jolly Redd’s trawler docked at the back of your island. You go inside, it’s dark, the music is a bit creepy, and there it is—the Valiant Statue. It looks majestic. It looks perfect for that garden entrance you've been terraforming for three weeks. But then you remember: Redd is a literal criminal.
Is it real? Is it a fake? If you buy the wrong one, Blathers is going to give you that look of soul-crushing disappointment, and you'll be out 4,980 Bells with nothing but a haunted piece of stone to show for it. Determining the valiant statue real vs fake situation isn't actually that hard once you know the one specific detail Nintendo changed. Honestly, it’s all in the legs.
The Nike of Samothrace Mystery
In the real world, this masterpiece is known as the Nike of Samothrace. It’s a Hellenistic sculpture from the 2nd century BC, currently sitting in the Louvre. It celebrates a naval victory. It’s supposed to be the Greek goddess Nike (Victory) landing on the prow of a ship. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it’s just one of many art pieces you need to complete your museum wing.
Here is the deal. The real statue—the one Blathers will actually accept—has her left leg forward.
Think about that for a second. If you are looking at the statue head-on, her left leg (the one on your right) is the one stepping out. The fake version? It’s a mirror image. In the forgery, the right leg is leading. It’s a subtle flip that catches a lot of players off guard because the wings are so distracting. You see those feathers and think, "Wow, that's beautiful," and completely miss the fact that her stance is backwards.
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Why the Valiant Statue is a Special Case
Most art in Animal Crossing has a "haunted" version or a fake that is obviously ugly. Think about the Scary Painting where the guy has eyebrows that move, or the Ancient Statue that floats when you interact with it at night. The Valiant Statue is different.
The fake Valiant Statue is actually... kinda great?
A lot of players purposefully buy the fake. Why? Because the forgery isn't "bad" art. It's just mirrored. If you are decorating your island and you want two statues to flank a staircase, having one real and one fake creates a symmetrical look that you literally cannot achieve with two real statues. Since the real ones always face the same way, the fake serves a genuine design purpose. Just don't expect the museum to take it.
A Quick Checklist for Redd’s Boat
Don't let the dim lighting fool you. When you’re standing in front of the piece, use the zoom function on your NookPhone camera. It's the only way to be sure.
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- Check the Lead Leg: Look at the base. Is the left leg forward? That's the real deal. Right leg? Total fake.
- Inspect the Wings: In some older games, people thought the wing shape changed, but in New Horizons, the wing detail is high-quality on both. Don't rely on the feathers.
- The Price Tag: Redd always charges the same amount (unless you haven't talked him down yet), so price isn't a giveaway.
- The Shadow: Some players claim the shadow looks different, but honestly, that’s just lighting engine stuff. Stick to the legs.
It’s worth noting that the Valiant Statue is one of the "large" items in Redd's inventory. This means it has a lower spawn rate than the smaller paintings. If you see it, and it's real, buy it immediately. You might not see it again for months.
What to Do With a Forgery
If you messed up and bought the fake, or if you bought it on purpose because you're a rebel, you have options. You can't sell fakes to Tommy and Timmy at Nook's Cranny. They’ll tell you it’s a "sham" and refuse to touch it.
You can throw it in a trash can furniture item to delete it forever. Or, better yet, use it for island decoration. The Valiant Statue is one of the few pieces of art that looks incredible outdoors. It adds an instant "European estate" vibe to any cliffside.
Some people even set up "fake art galleries" in their basements. Since the fake Valiant Statue is so high-quality, it’s a centerpiece for those kinds of builds. Just remember that if you're trying to get that 5-star island rating, fakes don't count towards your museum progress, which is a major factor in your island's overall "culture" score.
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Final Verification Steps
Before you commit your Bells, take a screenshot. If you're really nervous, pull up a photo of the actual statue in the Louvre on your phone. Compare the drape of the clothing. The way the fabric "clings" to the body (the "wet drapery" technique) is identical in both versions of the game, which is a testament to Nintendo's art team. But that mirrored leg is the smoking gun.
Real = Left leg forward.
Fake = Right leg forward.
Once you memorize that, Redd can't scam you anymore. You're the expert now. Go get that museum wing finished.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Open your NookPhone and check your Critterpedia or Museum app to see if you already have the Valiant Statue donated.
- If Redd is on your island right now, use the camera app to zoom in on the statue's feet.
- If the right leg is forward and you need it for the museum, walk away. If you want it for decoration, haggle and take it home.
- Check your storage for any other "fake" art that might work better as outdoor decor than taking up space in your house.