“The Fall of Phaeton,” created by Giorgio de Chirico in 1913, is an oil painting on canvas belonging to the Neo-baroque art movement. This mythological painting encapsulates the dramatic and tumultuous moment of Phaeton’s fall.
The artwork vividly portrays the mythical narrative of Phaeton, son of the sun god Helios, who attempted to drive his father’s solar chariot but lost control, leading to his catastrophic downfall. Horses, depicted with a sense of frenzied motion, dominate the composition, their muscular forms and wild expressions adding an intense dynamism to the scene. Phaeton’s body is shown contorted amidst the chaos, illustrating his rapid descent toward the earth. The rich, swirling colors and dramatic lighting not only heighten the sense of turmoil but also reflect the influence of Baroque aesthetics, contributing to the overall emotive power of the painting. The background, blending with tumultuous clouds and turbulent atmosphere, further complements the central theme, making the viewer almost feel the heat and urgency of the moment captured by de Chirico.
