Phäethon rijdt in de zonnewagen c. 1550 - 1650

This anonymous print depicts the fall of Phaeton, rendered with etching. As an allegory of ambition, it encapsulates the high stakes and potential for catastrophic failure when mortals defy divine boundaries. Prints like this one, circulated widely, weren't merely aesthetic objects, they were tools for disseminating moral and political lessons. Consider the role of classical mythology in shaping European identity, and how stories like Phaeton's reinforced social hierarchies. The narrative of Phaeton is a cautionary tale, suggesting that only those with legitimate authority should wield power. Look at the landscape: It's not just a backdrop; it's a stage for human drama, with the natural world bearing witness to Phaeton’s hubris. This image is not just about the fall of one individual; it's a meditation on the precariousness of existence and the consequences of unchecked ambition.