The Lament for Icarus
The Lament for Icarus | |
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Artist | Herbert James Draper |
Year | 1898 |
Medium | Oil on canvas |
Dimensions | 180 cm × 150 cm (72 in × 61 in) |
Location | Tate Britain, London |
The Lament for Icarus is a painting by
According to Justine Hopkins, Draper identifies Icarus "with the other heroes of the
The composition
In 1890s Draper was focused mainly on
The use of the male body as a vehicle for the projection of subjective emotion, as in The Lament for Icarus, is a feature of late-Victorian painting and sculpture,[4] and in The Lament for Icarus the body appears to melt within the arms of one nymph. Draper applied liquid light effects without abandoning form and used mainly warm colours. The tanned skin of Icarus refers to his close approach to the Sun before falling down. The rays of the setting sun on distant cliffs emphasize the transience of time. Moralizing, sentimental, and sensual, The Lament for Icarus ultimately became a well-composed image of epic failure. However, somewhat surprising, Icarus has his wings fully intact, contrary to the myth where the wax melted and Icarus fell flapping his bare arms.[5] The image of a "winged creature" is likely utilized to create a more symbolic, romantic, and elegant appearance.
Notes
- ^ ISBN 0-8143-3002-9
- ^ "The Chantrey Bequest">
- ^ "Art Reproduction of Draper". Allartclassic.com. Retrieved 19 November 2010.
- ^ a b Alison Smith. Exposed: The Victorian Nude, Watson-Guptill, 2002
- ^ Ovid. "Daedalus et Icarus." Metamorhposes.