Pieter Bruegel, The Landscape with the fall of Icarus, 1560

The Landscape with the fall of Icarus demonstrates the outcomes of right versus wrong. In modern society, people experience tragic events of lying and dishonest behavior. This painting relates to these current events and reminds society: honesty trumps disobeying morality. This mythical painting resembles the concept of an immoral behavior turning against them.

The Greek Myth of Icarus ignited with the killing of Talus. Daedalus’s (Talus' uncle) jealousy forced irrational behavior and ultimately ended with Talus’s brutal murder. The goddess of Athena presented Daedalus with wax wings to escape exile. But Icarus, Daedalus son, remained hostage in the king’s place. Daedalus’s integrity saved Icarus. When freed, Daedalus presented his son with a pair of wax wings and a warning (to distant himself from the sun). Icarus ignored his father warning and died.   

Society discovers stubbornness and selfish behavior. People ignore the ethical acts and listen to their own conscience. Found throughout history, non-trustworthy individuals eventually find themselves’ in trouble. In the 1970s, Nixon stole information from the Democratic Party. Now history textbooks mention Watergate. During the 1990s, Bill Clinton became the second impeached president for falsely testifying about his affair. These events only represent a small portion of dishonesty acts.   

The myth of Icarus still portrays its meaning today. People that pursue wrong acts never end well. The Landscape with the fall of Icarus illustrates the importance of listening to others and a reminder of the unethical consequences.