Daedalus and Icarus 1645

"Daedalus and Icarus" (1645) by Charles Le Brun depicts the tragic fall of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with wings fashioned by his father, Daedalus. The painting, now housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, vividly portrays the moment of Icarus's descent, capturing the anguish and despair of the scene. Le Brun's masterful use of light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, emphasizing the contrast between Icarus's youthful vulnerability and Daedalus's hardened resolve. This dramatic Baroque composition, characteristic of Le Brun's style, has resonated with audiences for centuries.