Icarus and Daedelus. Woodcut by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528), showing the fall of Icarus (centre), watched by his father Daedalus (upper centre). This s
Icarus and Daedelus. Woodcut by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528), showing the fall of Icarus (centre), watched by his father Daedalus (upper centre). This story, from Greek mythology, tells of the escape of Daedalus and Icarus from Minos, the king of Crete. Daedalus made wings for himself and his son, using bird feathers and wax to bind the feathers together. Despite warnings from his father, Icarus flew too close to the Sun, and the heat melted the wax. The wings fell apart, and Icarus fell into the sea and drowned. The story, which Âcan represent human desire for flight, is seen as a warning against hubris (excessive pride or self-confidence). Artwork from The Complete  Woodcuts of Albrecht Durer (W. Kurth, 1936).
Size: 4581px × 3647px
Photo credit: © SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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