Invicta 1842

Richard Dadd, created this engraving, “Invicta”, while confined to mental asylums for murdering his father. Dadd, a celebrated painter of fairy scenes, experienced a mental breakdown while traveling through the Middle East, believing he was under the influence of the Egyptian god Osiris. “Invicta” presents us with classical figures framed by an abundant floral border. The image may reflect Dadd’s struggle with his own identity, torn between his artistic sensibilities and the horrific act he committed. The title “Invicta”, meaning undefeated, is poignant given Dadd’s tragic circumstances. Was he referencing inner resilience, or perhaps commenting on the complexities of the Victorian society that both celebrated and confined him? Ultimately, “Invicta” is a deeply personal work, reflecting Dadd's fragmented psyche and the oppressive societal norms that shaped his life and art. It invites us to reflect on the intersection of creativity, mental health, and the constraints of Victorian morality.