When did Herbert James Draper develop the composition for The Lament for Icarus?
Herbert James Draper developed the composition for The Lament for Icarus during the 1890s. He focused mainly on ancient Greek mythological subjects at that time.
Questions about The Lament for Icarus
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the four models used by Herbert James Draper for The Lament for Icarus?
Herbert James Draper employed four young professional models named Ethel Gurden, Ethel Warwick, Florence Bird and Luigi di Luca. Their names appear in records of his work from this period.
How much money supported the purchase of The Lament for Icarus through public funds?
The painting was bought from the Royal Academy exhibition through public funds via the Chantrey Bequest fund bequeathed by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey. This money supported purchasing modern art for the nation.
Where did The Lament for Icarus win a gold medal after its initial acquisition?
The Lament for Icarus won the gold medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. This international recognition followed its initial acquisition by British public funds.
Why did Herbert James Draper depict Icarus with fully intact wings instead of melting wax?
Draper gave Icarus his wings fully intact contrary to Ovid's description where wax melted during the fall. The artist utilized the winged creature image to create a more symbolic appearance that prioritized aesthetic beauty over strict adherence to ancient texts.