ICARUS ON COTHURNI (from the Lohengrin Cycle) 1978

"ICARUS ON COTHURNI (from the Lohengrin Cycle)" is a 1978 painting by Austrian artist Ernst Fuchs. The painting depicts the mythological figure Icarus, a youth who flew too close to the sun, in a dramatic, almost theatrical pose. The depiction of Icarus is very stylized, with long, flowing robes and a crown, while the background features a vibrant, red sky. The painting’s vibrant colors and dramatic composition are indicative of Fuchs’s Symbolist style, which was influenced by the work of artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. The work, inspired by the legend of Icarus, can be interpreted as a commentary on the dangers of hubris and the importance of respecting limits. The title, "Icarus on Cothurni," referencing a type of high-heeled boot, further adds to the symbolic nature of the painting. The artwork is a prime example of Fuchs’s style, which incorporates elements of Symbolism, Art Nouveau, and Surrealism.