“ICARUS ON COTHURNI (from the Lohengrin Cycle)”, created in 1978 by Ernst Fuchs, is an exemplary piece from the Fantastic Realism movement. This mythological painting presents a striking depiction deeply imbued with symbolic undertones.
The artwork portrays a figure reminiscent of the mythological Icarus, adorned in cothurni, traditional elevated boots used in ancient Greek theater. The figure appears to be suspended between the heavens and the earth, with large, intricate wings unfurled, suggesting a sense of grandeur and mysticism. The background is a tumultuous sky filled with a spectrum of vibrant, fiery hues, enhancing the dramatic presence of the central character. The meticulous detailing and vivid coloration exemplify Fuchs’s distinctive style, contributing to the fantastical and surreal ambiance of the painting.
