Ancient Greek mythology, so full of fascinating themes and plots, has repeatedly inspired the artists of New Time to create original canvases. However, among the myths there are those that attracted the attention of artists especially often. Such, for example, is the myth of Dedalus and Icarus, which reflected the eternal dream of mankind about flying. English artist of the XIX century Frederick Leighton contributed to the interpretation of this myth.
Unlike Peter Bruegel the Elder, who captured the moment of Icarus falling into the water, not noticed by anyone around, Leyton concentrated his attention on a kind of “wires”. Daedalus, a man already at the age, as indicated by bald spots and strained hands, checks the “ammunition” of the son before the flight. And Ikar with all his thoughts is already there, behind the clouds. His expression is inspired and detached from everything worldly, vain at the same time. He triumphantly lifted up his right hand, clenched in his fist.
The left hand is already armed with a wing, and the right is still to be done. It is as if Icarus is inspired by the desperate feat of a colossal figure seen in the distance with his back to us, which does not allow it to be accurately attributed – whether the commander is depicted, or maybe someone from the Olympic gods.
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