Phaëthon vraagt of hij in de wagen van Apollo mag rijden c. 1675

Cesare Fantetti's engraving captures the mythological scene of Phaeton requesting to drive Apollo’s chariot. Dominating the composition is Apollo, the sun god, wreathed in laurel, a symbol of triumph and divine authority. Phaeton’s outstretched hand towards Apollo carries echoes of supplication. Consider the symbolic weight of the sun chariot, a motif traceable back to ancient Near Eastern sun gods and later adopted in Greco-Roman culture. The sun god, often depicted driving a chariot across the sky, symbolizes enlightenment, power, and the cyclical nature of time. Yet, the myth of Phaeton also serves as a cautionary tale against hubris. The laurel, inseparable from Apollo, appears throughout history, signifying victory and status. We find it adorning Roman emperors and Renaissance poets alike. This emblem, resonating through centuries, reminds us that the human psyche is drawn to symbols of authority and achievement. The story of Phaeton, passed down through generations, invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between ambition and reckless abandon.