The painting depicts an abstract, symbolic figure of Icarus shown as a black silhouette against an intensely blue sky with red drops symbolizing blood. The work is an example of the cut-out technique that Matisse developed in his later life, combining simplicity of form and expression through color.

Portrait of the Creator

  • Artist

    Henri Matisse

  • Date of birth and death

    31 December 1869 – 3 November 1954

  • Natinality

    French

  • Style

    Fauvism, Modernism, Post-Impressionism, Cut-outs

  • Significant works

    Woman with a Hat, The Joy of Life, Blue Nude, La Danse, L’Atelier Rouge, The Snail

Information about the work

  • Year:

    1943-1944

  • Execution technique:

    paper cut-out on canvas

  • Theme:

    Greek mythology, the fall of Icarus, abstraction, dramatic symbolism

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The work refers to the myth of Icarus, symbolizing human fate, ambition, and tragic downfall. The vivid colors and dynamic composition enhance the drama and emotional depth of the piece.

The key to interpreting the work

Interpret as an innovative form of mythological narration, using minimalism of form and intensity of colors to evoke strong emotional impressions.

See other works by this artist

The King's Sadness

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1952
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The Snail

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1953
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La gerbe

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1953
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Luxury, Calm and Pleasure

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1904
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Woman with a Hat

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1905
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The Joy of Life

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1905-1906
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The Young Sailor II

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1906
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The Blue Nude (Souvenir of Biskra)

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1907
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Dance (II)

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1910
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Music

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1910
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Moroccan Café

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1912-1913
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Bathers by a River

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1909-1916
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The Moroccans

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1915-1916
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The Dance

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1932-1933
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The Circus

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1943
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White Torso and Blue Torso

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1944
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The Beasts of the Sea

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1950
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Blue Nude II

  • Artist: Henri Matisse
  • Year: 1952
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