In his attempt at escape from Crete with his father Daedalus, who fashioned wings made of wax, Icarus in spite of  his father's warnings and in his excitement flew too close to the sun, his wings melted and he fell to the sea and to his death.

Icarus is depicted in many pieces during the Third Reich, most associated with the NSFK and most have a more streamlined deco appearance, this one is to the head of a Fliegergruppe. While the story of Icarus is one that could be construed with failure, the story is much more, and what the piece says is dare to try and reminds the viewer that heroism does not always mean success.

While the thousand year Reich is gone, the island of Icaria in the Icarian Sea is still there and named for the boy who fell to the sea in a failed attempt to escape imprisonment and the chains of oppression. While there are some that would view this piece as some form of propaganda, it would just be too narrow. A very nice example and one of strength, hope, youth, and above all, flight. 

Photo: Hermann Historica Auction #59