The Fall of Phaeton 1533

Michelangelo's "The Fall of Phaeton" (1533) is a striking red chalk drawing depicting the mythical Greek tale of Phaeton, son of the sun god Helios, who crashes his father's chariot in the sky. The drawing showcases Michelangelo's masterful understanding of anatomy and movement, evident in the dynamic poses of the falling figures and the rearing horses. The drawing’s composition emphasizes the chaos and drama of the event, with the plunging figures and the turbulent sky creating a sense of urgency and peril. The drawing is housed in the British Museum in London.