The Fall of Phaeton, Peter Paul Rubens (c. 1604–1605)

Rubens’ The Fall of Phaeton captures the mythic moment when Zeus strikes down Phaeton after the reckless young driver loses control of the sun chariot. The scene erupts with violent motion: rearing horses, tumbling figures, and swirling clouds create a sense of unstoppable collapse as Phaeton plummets from the sky. Rubens uses sharp contrasts of light and shadow, along with tightly coiled poses, to heighten the drama and convey the catastrophic scale of the event. A towering figure of the Flemish Baroque, Peter Paul Rubens was celebrated for his sweeping mythological subjects, vigorous compositions, and glowing color. Drawing on both Italian Renaissance influences and his own flair for theatrical movement, he shaped scenes of legend into vivid, emotionally charged spectacles. The Fall of Phaeton reflects his signature blend of dynamic storytelling and masterful visual impact, reaffirming why he remains one of the great interpreters of classical myth. Product Details: Cotton and polyest