Daedalus and Icarus 1645

Charles Le Brun painted “Daedalus and Icarus” in oil, likely in France during the 17th century. In it, Daedalus attaches wings to the back of his son, Icarus. The painting is a depiction of the story, of the same name, from Greek mythology. Le Brun was the dominant figure in French art under Louis XIV. As such, he held a firm belief in the power of art to uphold a social and political order. Mythological painting was a central element of artistic production. It taught lessons about morality and leadership, and this painting is no different. Here, we see a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris, or excessive pride. We can also understand how the mythology of this painting was a subtle critique of the King’s power. Historical texts can show us how the artists who painted such works were actively engaged in political discourse. This discourse often took place at the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, the French art academy that Le Brun directed.