Phoebus 1644

Michel Dorigny's 1644 etching *Phoebus* depicts the god of the sun, Apollo, rising from the clouds. The composition is circular, echoing the path of the sun. Dorigny's fine lines create a sense of movement and drama as Apollo ascends. The inscription at the bottom reads, "What are you taking me away, Phoebus, amid encircling darkness?" The artwork was likely inspired by classical mythology and Renaissance artists such as Raphael, who explored similar themes of celestial bodies and the divine. This piece demonstrates the artistic influence of the Baroque period in France, emphasizing grandeur and dramatic lighting effects.