Phaëthon rijdt in de zonnewagen c. 1636 - 1670

This etching, "Phaëthon rijdt in de zonnewagen" (Phaëthon rides in the chariot of the sun) by Crispijn van de Passe (II), depicts the Greek myth of Phaëthon, son of the sun god Helios, who attempts to drive the sun chariot. The scene shows Phaëthon struggling to control the fiery steeds as they race across the heavens, their hooves striking the clouds and causing the world to burn. The intricate details of the horses and chariot, as well as the dramatic composition, are characteristic of Van de Passe's work. This engraving, produced in the mid-17th century, is a fine example of the artist's mastery of the printmaking technique, and offers a visual interpretation of a well-known tale from classical mythology.