Phaëthon 1620 - 1664

This small print by Stefano della Bella, made without a date using etching, depicts the fall of Phaëthon. The story of Phaëthon, who lost control of his father’s sun chariot and was struck down by Jupiter, resonated in 17th-century Europe as a warning against ambition and overreach, especially among the aristocratic classes. Made in Florence, Italy, this print presents a dramatic interpretation of classical mythology through the lens of Baroque artistry. The swirling chaos and dynamic figures reflect the period's taste for movement and emotion. The print was made during a time when Florence, under the Medici, sought to maintain its cultural prominence through elaborate displays of art and learning. Prints like these circulated widely, serving not only as decoration but also as tools for moral instruction and social commentary. To fully appreciate this work, one can consult period emblem books and moral treatises, which would reveal how contemporaries interpreted such allegories. This image reminds us that art is deeply embedded in its historical moment, reflecting and shaping the values of its society.