Name/Title
II.82 Icarus, 1962Entry/Object ID
sc.0123.1962Type of Sculpture
Free StandingCollection
Sculptures, 1960sMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Wendell CastleRole
ArtistDate made
1962Time Period
1960sInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
SignatureTranscription
WC 62Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Catalogue Raisonné NumberOther Number
II.82Colors
Color
Brown, Green, Blue, WhiteColor Notes
Dark brown with green, blue, and white detailing.Inventory
Inventoried Date
Jun 12, 2026Provenance
Provenance Detail
Memorial Art GalleryPlace
City
RochesterState/Province
New YorkNotes
Gift of Angelo and Winifred Chiarella. Acc. no. 99.27.Exhibition
Wendell Castle in RochesterGeneral Notes
Note Type
CommentsNote
Life-size Icarus was Castle's largest laminated piece to date. Its conception reflects Castle's awareness and interest in current movements in the art world. The classical subject of Icarus was inspired by Castle's admiration of artist Leonard Baskin, who in turn was intrigued by Greek mythology. The figure's depiction in the artist's own Converse sneakers was a response to Pop Art. Castle notes, "The sneakers completely changed the piece. They made Icarus part of the present and not just a traditional classical sculpture. Some people even found the piece too risqué, seeing it as exposed rather than nude."Create Date
June 12, 2026Update Date
June 12, 2026