Val van Phaëton 1573 - 1580

This engraving, "Fall of Phaeton," by Etienne Delaune, presents the mythical Phaeton mid-fall, a dramatic consequence of his hubris. The sun, typically a symbol of life and enlightenment, here casts a harsh light on Phaeton's descent, symbolizing divine retribution. The image evokes the archetype of Icarus, whose fall similarly embodies humanity’s overreach. We see similar themes echoed across cultures, from the Tower of Babel to cautionary tales of mortals challenging the gods. Note the terrified horses and chaotic chariot, motifs also present in classical depictions of chariot races and divine processions, here turned into symbols of cosmic disorder. The image triggers a deep, primal fear—the loss of control, the plummet into the unknown. This engraving, like many others across time, serves as a visual anchor, connecting us to the recurring human drama of ambition, consequence, and the eternal dance between order and chaos. Each fall depicted becomes a mirror reflecting our own fears and aspirations.