ID number: BIRBI-2002.1 Institution: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Artist / Maker: Sadeler, Aegidius, II (1570-1629) Title / Object name: Daedalus & Icarus Object type: Print
Culture: Flemish Materials: Etching Measurements: Paper: 234 x 304 mm; mount: 407 x 560 mm Provenance: Fattieri, Grafica Antica e Moderna, di Antonio Berni & C. Sas, Via Della Spada, 38r-50123 FIRENZE, Italia.
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In a scene based on the classical story of Daedalus and Icarus’ escape from Crete, Daedalus gestures with despair as his son Icarus falls from the sky. The ploughman looks up while the seated peasants laugh and point. This story was often associated with the dangers of going to extremes, and peasant labour was particularly related to Christian steadfastness and perseverance. Icarus’ fall has distracted the peasants from their Christian duties suggesting that similar extremes could divert true Christians from their righteous path.
Inscriptions / Translations: Inscriptions, sale stamps &c.:
Notes: Bibliography: AA.VV., 'The Illustrated Bartsch', New York, 1978, Vol.72, Part 2/supplement, pg.287, no.405; H. Gerhard Franz, 'Hans Bol als Landschaftszeichner', Graz, 1965, pp.19-215.
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