Icarus (sculpture) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Icarus |
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The sculpture in 2012
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| Artist | Michael Ayrton |
| Year | 1973 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Subject | Icarus |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| 51°30′45″N 0°05′50″W / 51.512594°N 0.097294°W | |
The sculpture called Icarus, sometimes known as Icarus III, is a famous artwork you can see outdoors in London, United Kingdom. It was created in 1973 by an artist named Michael Ayrton. This sculpture shows the Greek mythological figure of Icarus.
You can find this interesting sculpture in Old Change Court, right in the heart of the City of London. It's a great example of how ancient stories can inspire modern art.
The Myth of Icarus
The sculpture is based on an old Greek myth about a boy named Icarus. He was the son of a very clever inventor called Daedalus. Daedalus was held captive on an island with his son.
To escape, Daedalus built two sets of wings. He made them from feathers and wax. He warned Icarus not to fly too low, because the sea's dampness would weigh down the wings. He also warned him not to fly too high.
If Icarus flew too high, the sun's heat would melt the wax. But Icarus was so excited by flying that he forgot his father's warning. He flew higher and higher towards the sun.
The sun's heat melted the wax holding his wings together. The feathers fell off, and Icarus tumbled out of the sky. He fell into the sea and drowned. This myth is often a warning about being too proud or ignoring good advice.
Who Was Michael Ayrton?
Michael Ayrton (1921–1975) was a British artist. He was a painter, a printmaker, a sculptor, and even a writer. Ayrton was very interested in the story of Icarus and the myth of Daedalus.
He created many artworks inspired by these characters. The sculpture in London is one of his most well-known pieces. He often explored themes of flight, falling, and human ambition in his art.
Ayrton's work often showed figures that were part human and part machine. This reflected his interest in how humans try to overcome their limits. He made several sculptures and paintings about Icarus. This is why the London sculpture is sometimes called Icarus III. It was not his first artwork on the subject.
Where to Find the Sculpture
The Icarus sculpture is located in a public space. It stands in Old Change Court, which is near St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London. This area is a busy part of London, full of history and modern buildings.
Being in a public space means that anyone can see and enjoy the artwork. It encourages people to think about the story it represents. The sculpture adds a touch of ancient myth to a modern city landscape.
It was placed there in 1973. It has been a part of London's outdoor art scene ever since.
