Who painted River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus?

River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus was painted by Simon Novellanus in 1595.

Where can I see River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus?

River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus?

River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus?

Museum-quality prints of River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus

Simon Novellanus , 1595

River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon Novellanus. It dates from 1595 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:in margin below image, in plate: Inter utrumque vola, medio tutissimus ibis. (Fly in between, in the middle you will go most safely) // Qui fuit ut tutas agitaret Daedalus alas? / Icarus immensas nomine signet aquas? // Nempe quod hic alté demissius ille volabat: / Nam pennas ambo non nabuere suas. (How is it possible that Daedalus could safely move his wings back and forth? [How did it happen that] Icarus gave his name to the vast waters? This was of course because he flew high and the other lower; for neither had feathers of his own.) // Petrus Breugel fec: Romae A[nn]o 1553. / Excud: Houf: cum prae: Caes:

About this work

Overview

River Landscape with the Fall of Icarus is a 16th-century print created by Simon Novellanus around 1595, combining etching and engraving techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print juxtaposes a serene river landscape with the mythological figure of Icarus falling from the sky, surrounded by birds, contrasting tranquility with a moment of dramatic descent.

Technique & Style

Characterized by intricate details, fine lines, and textures, the work employs shading and contrast to create depth and atmosphere, with the etching technique conveying a sense of movement amidst the calm setting.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1595 by Simon Novellanus, specific details about the print's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.

Context

Reflecting the Renaissance interest in classical mythology, the work integrates the Icarus legend into a detailed, observational landscape, typical of the period's artistic fusion of myth and realism.

Legacy

While the print's direct influence is not elaborated here, it exemplifies the enduring appeal of combining mythological narratives with meticulous landscape depictions, a hallmark of late Renaissance printmaking.