The fall of Phaeton 1533 - 1573

Nicolas Beatrizet rendered this engraving, "The Fall of Phaeton," in the mid-16th century, capturing a dramatic scene from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Here, we witness Phaeton's disastrous ride in the sun chariot, marked by chaos and cosmic disruption. The most potent symbol here is the chariot itself, a vehicle of ambition spiraling out of control, emblematic of hubris punished by divine intervention. Consider the enduring presence of the "chariot" motif throughout history, from ancient Roman triumphs to Renaissance allegories. The chariot, often pulled by powerful steeds, embodies both glory and potential danger. In Beatrizet's rendition, the horses are frantic, a visual echo of the emotional turmoil and loss of control. This motif can be seen in works spanning millennia, each iteration reflecting shifting cultural values and anxieties surrounding power, control, and the ever-present risk of catastrophic failure. The collective memory of such images serves as a potent reminder of humanity's precarious position within the cosmic order.