Phaeton, from 'Game of Mythology' (Jeu de la Mythologie) 1644

Stefano della Bella created this etching of ‘Phaeton’ as part of his 'Game of Mythology' around the mid-17th century, a time when Europe was consumed with power struggles and the rise of absolutist monarchies. This image illustrates the tragic fall of Phaeton, who, in his hubris, couldn't control the sun chariot, leading to chaos and his ultimate demise. Della Bella, living under the patronage of powerful figures like the Medici family, was acutely aware of the themes of ambition, power, and control. The etching feels chaotic, doesn't it? Horses are tumbling, and Phaeton is falling from the sky. There's a sense of things spiraling out of control. It serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition, a theme that resonates across history and certainly within the complex social hierarchies of Della Bella’s time. The story and Stefano della Bella's depiction encourage reflection on the balance between aspiration and responsibility.