Image Details

Alinari/Art Resource, NY

Once set in a ring or pendant, this Roman cameo, now in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, depicts a scene from the story of Daedalus and his son Icarus before their ill-fated flight from Crete. Imprisoned in a labyrinth by the Cretan king Minos, Daedalus made wings of wax for their getaway, but Icarus flew too close to the sun, causing his wings to melt and plunging him to his death.