New technical study of The Fall of Icarus
Published on 09.04.2026
![Pieter I Bruegel (?) [ca 1527/30-1569], Fall of Icarus, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels / photo : J. Geleyns - Art Photography (click to enlarge)](/uploads/news/images/bruegel_4030dig_h_1_3_large@2x.jpg "Pieter I Bruegel (?) [ca 1527/30-1569], Fall of Icarus, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels / photo : J. Geleyns - Art Photography")
Although it has always been admired by the public, the painting The Fall of Icarus also raises many questions. Doubts have been expressed about its attribution, dating, painting technique and the extent of its restoration.
In order to clarify the status of this work within the oeuvre of Pieter Bruegel the Elder, new technical research is currently underway.
In collaboration with the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage, non-invasive analyses and scientific imaging examinations are being carried out. The results will be unveiled at an exhibition on Pieter Bruegel the Elder to be held at the Museum in autumn 2028.
The famous painting is expected to return to the museum around October 2026.
