The Fall of Icarus (1958) by Pablo Picasso

The Fall of Icarus - Pablo Picasso - 1958

Artwork Information

TitleThe Fall of Icarus
ArtistPablo Picasso
Date1958
Art MovementSymbolism

About The Fall of Icarus

The artwork in question, entitled “The Fall of Icarus,” was created by the artist Pablo Picasso in the year 1958. Associated with the Symbolism movement, this mythological painting encapsulates the tragic downfall of the character from Greek mythology known as Icarus, whose waxen wings melted when he flew too close to the sun.

In the artwork, the central figure, presumably Icarus, is depicted in what appears to be a state of descent against a rich, earthy background. The hues are predominantly warm, with brown and ochre tones suggesting a scene that is both ardent and somber. Contrasting against this warmth, the figure’s wings manifest with darker, cooler shades, indicating the separation from the Icaridean aspiration to soar. The form of Icarus appears fragmented and distorted, with the wings dominating the composition, echoing the themes of hubris and downfall inherent to the myth. The artwork’s mood is enhanced by the textured, almost tactile application of paint, a hallmark of Picasso’s expressive style. The absence of clear, defined lines and the blending of colors evoke a sense of turmoil and chaos, fitting for the dramatic narrative captured within this piece.

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