Photography and Painting

"Daedalus and Icarus", Frederick Leighton.  The theme of Icarus has always been a popular one for depicting graceful male figures in flight or falling in space.  This painting by Leighton portrays the moments before the tragic flight, as Daedalus prepares his son.

The flowing fabrics, the beautiful figure and the sense of impending doom make this an irresistible opportunity for interpretation.  The youth of the model, and the wistful unawareness of his expression, helps to create the illusion, even though the pose is not exact.