Phaëton in de zonnewagen c. 1765 - 1766

"Phaëton in de zonnewagen" (c. 1765-1766) is an engraving by Dutch artist Benjamin Green (1739-1798) depicting the Greek myth of Phaëton, who was granted permission by his father Helios, the sun god, to drive the chariot of the sun across the sky. Green’s engraving captures the moment when Phaëton, unable to control the chariot, is struck by a thunderbolt from Zeus, who seeks to save the world from destruction by Phaëton’s recklessness. The scene is rendered in a dramatic, dynamic style with bold lines and dramatic lighting, reflecting the intensity and danger of the moment.