Phaeton 1588

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving, titled Phaeton, during the late 16th or early 17th century. It is part of a series of prints on the downfall of human ambition, drawing from Greek mythology, and the story of Phaeton. The story goes that Phaeton, son of the sun god Helios, attempts to drive his father’s sun chariot across the sky. Lacking the skill and strength to control the horses, he loses control, scorching the earth and ultimately meeting his demise when Zeus strikes him down with a thunderbolt. The visual tension in this piece is palpable. As Phaeton plummets from the sky, the engraving captures his physical struggle and emotional turmoil. His muscular body, rendered with dramatic shading, conveys both power and vulnerability. But consider the cultural and societal implications of this cautionary tale. What does it say about the dangers of hubris, the pursuit of glory, and the consequences of overreaching one's abilities? The narrative functions as a warning against challenging the established order.