Lot 8
  • 8

SIMEON SOLOMON | Icarus

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • Simeon Solomon
  • Icarus
  • signed with initials and dated l.r.: SS/ 1887
  • coloured chalk with pencil
  • 35 by 26cm., 14 by 10in.

Provenance

Sotheby’s, London, 9 June 1994, lot 209 as ‘An Angel’ and bought by Seymour Stein

Condition

The drawing is flat in the mount and in very good condition. The paper is clean and there are no signs of staining or foxing. The picture is ready to hang. FRAME The drawing is held in a simple wooden frame with a clean mount and under glass.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The presence of the ocean and the garland of laurel leaves identifies the winged figure in this drawing as Icarus, son of Daedalus. Daedalus designed the Minoan labyrinth and was imprisoned with his son to prevent them revealing the design but they escaped by devising wings to fly from the island. Behind the boy’s head is not the halo of an angel but the burning orb of the sun which will melt the wax that bound the feathers of Icarus’ wings and lead to his downfall. Solomon would have known Leighton’s depiction of Icarus preparing to take flight painted in 1869 (Faringdon Collection, Buscot Park, Oxfordshire) in which the pose of Icarus is very similar.