Phaëthon rijdt in de zonnewagen 1542 - 1603

Philips Galle etched this print of Phaëthon driving the sun chariot sometime between 1580 and 1612. It's a dramatic interpretation of the classical myth, showing Phaëthon losing control of the sun chariot, scorching the earth. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects the cultural humanist interests that revived classical stories, providing moral lessons. Galle ran a large print workshop in Antwerp, and the print itself, as a reproducible medium, speaks to the democratizing power of art in the early modern period, making classical narratives accessible to a wider audience beyond the educated elite. The Latin phrases inscribed in the work reinforce its humanist context. How does the image create meaning? The fiery horses, the figures in distress below, and the burning cities, all serve as visual codes for the disastrous consequences of unchecked ambition. To fully appreciate this print, it is worth exploring the role of printmaking in disseminating knowledge and shaping public opinion in 16th century Europe. Researching the Galle workshop and its distribution networks, the tradition of emblem books, and the visual conventions used to represent classical myths.