Blog Post #2 The Two Falls of Icarus

Today in class, we studied two paintings depicting the tragedy of Icarus. The first one we looked at was done by the artist Peter Paul Rubens, while the second was painted by the artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The two paintings of the Fall of Icarus presented such different emotions that I found it alarming. Rubens’s conveyed intense emotions brought on by the rough waters and the father’s intense gaze. The color scheme added to the misery as the yellow sun was forcefully trying to make its way to the picture. The drama presented in the scene reminded me of how death is always depicted in a Greek tragedy.
This intensity was completely at odds with Bruegel’s work. He created an idyllic setting that came to a shock as the viewers saw Icarus drowning in the waters alone. This type of death scene does not remind of a Greek tragedy, because it appears to be just too peaceful. It begged the question, which was the better death? Would I rather it be dramatic and known that I am dying? Or would I rather die in a beautiful setting with calm waters, but be alone in its beauty? Both ways made me feeling empty and sorry for Icarus.