'Daedalus and Icarus'

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Painting details

Title: 'Daedalus and Icarus'
Date: c.1869
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 139 x 104 cm
Location: Lord Faringdon, Buscot Park

Description

Two full-length standing male figures, turned to the right. The figure to the right is facing the viewer with the head in profile. The right arm is by the side of the body, the left is raised upwards. The right foot is placed on the ground, the left is raised slightly off the ground tilting the knee forward. Drapery billows behind the figure. A large white feathered wing is raised above the left arm. A thin strap crosses the figures body diagonally. The figure to the left stands bent at the waist, head turned in profile, tilted slightly to the sky. The right arm is tucked at the side of the body and the left holds the starp on the body of the other figure. Drapery covers the figure's torso and extends behind the figures. The figures stand on the edge of a cliff above rocks. In the background a statue stands on a column. In the distance building, mountains and the sea are visible.

Provenance

Collection of Sir Alexander Henderson, later 1st Baron Faringdon; sold through Sotheby's, London 13 June 1934 (lot 117) unsold; collection of Lord Faringdon, Buscot Park.

Bibliography

• Jones, Stephen et al., 'Frederic Leighton', Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1996, figure 32 catalogue numbers 59,60. Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.160, catalogue number 186, plate 112
• Rhys, Ernest, (prefatory essay by Stephens, F. G.) 'Sir Frederic Leighton, Bart., P. R. A.: An Illustrated Chronicle', George Bell and Sons, London, 1895, p.16, illustrated opposite p.16

Exhibition history

• 1869, Royal Academy of Arts, catalogue number 469
• 04 January 1897 to 13 March 1897, 'Exhibition of Works be the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton President of the Royal Academy: Winter Exhibition', The Royal Academy of Arts, London, catalogue number 69

Reproductions

Photograph by F. Holler