Twee galeien achter een driemaster, in de lucht de val van Phaëthon 1561 - 1565

Cornelis Cort created this print, "Two Galleys behind a Three-Master, with the Fall of Phaeton in the Air," sometime between 1533 and 1578. The work presents a dramatic interplay of marine and celestial elements, rendered in meticulous detail. The composition is split between the earthly realm of ships at sea and the mythical scene unfolding in the sky above. Cort's strategic use of line and contrast guides our eyes, creating a dialogue between the classical narrative and the maritime scene. The fall of Phaeton, drawn from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, serves as a dramatic counterpoint to the earthly pragmatism of seafaring vessels. It’s a juxtaposition that might encourage us to reflect on themes of ambition, fate, and the delicate balance between human endeavor and divine will. Notice how the artist uses texture to distinguish between the turbulent waves and the ethereal clouds. Cort’s emphasis on detailed rendering and thematic contrast invites viewers to consider the complex relationship between classical mythology and the cultural context of maritime exploration. The print invites ongoing interpretation, acknowledging the fluidity of meaning that is inherent to visual art.