Question

Look at the painting by artist Marten Ryckaert.

How does the artist's representation of the fall of Icarus depart from the passage?
O It emphasizes the sun's impact on the stability of Icarus's wings.
O It represents Icarus as only falling from a short distance above the water.
O It includes the perspective of a bystander on the ground watching Icarus fall.
O It illustrates the effect that Icarus's escape and death has on the royal family.

Answer 1

The artist Marten Ryckaert's representation of the fall of Icarus departs from the passage by emphasizing the sun's impact on the stability of Icarus's wings.

Ryckaert's painting deviates from the traditional narrative by highlighting the pivotal role of the sun in Icarus's demise. While the passage merely mentions the wax on Icarus's wings melting due to the sun's proximity, Ryckaert visually accentuates this aspect. The artist skillfully uses color, light, and shadow to convey the intense heat of the sun, underscoring its direct influence on the structural integrity of Icarus's wings. This departure adds a visual layer to the narrative, emphasizing the tragic consequence of Icarus flying too close to the sun.

In conclusion, Marten Ryckaert's depiction of the fall of Icarus diverges from the source passage by placing a heightened emphasis on the sun's impact on the stability of Icarus's wings. This departure enriches the narrative visually, offering a nuanced perspective on the classical myth and underscoring the artist's interpretive choices in conveying the tragic event.