Artwork
Le nouvel Icare ...
Le nouvel Icare ... is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This lithograph by Honoré Daumier, titled 'Le nouvel Icare', presents a figure in mid-fall, with broken wings attached to their back. The scene is rendered with a sense of drama and satire.
Subject & Meaning
The work reinterprets the ancient myth of Icarus, using it to comment on the perils of modern ambition. Labeled buildings in the background serve to underscore the satirical tone, highlighting the folly of human endeavors.
Technique & Style
Daumier's use of lithography allows for a expressive and detailed depiction of the falling figure, capturing the shock and drama of the moment. The artist's style blends realism with caricature, emphasizing the comedic and critical aspects of the scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Honoré-Victorin Daumier was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, whose many works offer commentary on the social and political life in France, from the Revolution of 1830 to the fall of the Second French Empire in 1870.
