Phaëthon rijdt in de zonnewagen c. 1636 - 1670

This is a print titled "Phaëthon rijdt in de zonnewagen" by Crispijn van de Passe the Younger, made in the 17th century. The composition immediately strikes you with its dynamic energy. Phaëthon and his team of horses burst forth from a backdrop of radiant light. Note how the artist uses line and form to create a sense of movement. The horses are not simply standing; they are lunging, their bodies arching as they pull the sun chariot. Look closely at the reins, they are not straight lines, but curves that add to the feeling of unrestrained motion. The cloudscape below is rendered with a remarkable tonal range which gives volume and shape. The artist uses diagonal lines to create a sense of depth and perspective, drawing the viewer into the scene. The print captures a moment of intense action, and the formal elements work together to convey the power and drama of the myth. The composition invites us to contemplate the themes of ambition, control, and the consequences of unchecked power.