Artwork
The Fall of Phaeton
The Fall of Phaeton is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1655 by the Florentine draughtsman Stefano della Bella (1610–1664), this drawing captures the mythic moment of Phaeton’s disastrous plunge. Executed on laid paper, the composition is a dynamic study of a rearing horse and its falling rider, rendered with energetic lines that convey motion and tension.
Subject & Meaning
The work illustrates the ancient tale of Phaeton, who, unable to control the sun‑chariot, crashes to earth. Della Bella emphasizes the chaos of the descent, focusing on the strained limbs of the rider and the horse’s muscular effort, thereby highlighting the peril of hubris and the violent forces of nature.
Technique & Style
Employing pen, brown ink, and a brown wash over a graphite underdrawing, the artist builds depth through layered shading. The loose, swirling strokes and rapid sketch‑like marks are characteristic of Baroque drawing, where immediacy and dramatic contrast are favored over meticulous finish.
History & Provenance
Della Bella, prolific in both etching and drawing, produced thousands of works throughout his career, with this piece belonging to his later period. The drawing, now on aged, yellowed laid paper, likely served as a preparatory study rather than a completed composition, reflecting the artist’s practice of rapid visual experimentation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Stefano della Bella (18 May 1610 – 12 July 1664) was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker known for etchings of a great variety of subjects, including military and court scenes, landscapes, and lively genre scenes.
![The Flight into Egypt [verso], by Stefano Della Bella](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/stefano-della-bella--the-flight-into-egypt-verso--3a100db72e6d25e3-w320.webp)
Venus as a Huntress Appearing to Aeneas and Achates![The Fall of the Rebel Angels [recto], by Parmigianino](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/parmigianino--the-fall-of-the-rebel-angels-recto--e9b082b33c001c66-w320.webp)
The Fall of the Rebel Angels [recto]
Orlando and Angelica Arrive at Charlemagne's Camp![Bradamante Tries to Catch Hold of the Hippogryph [recto], by Jean Honoré Fragonard](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jean-honore-fragonard--bradamante-tries-to-catch-hold-of-the-hippogryph-recto--f9c9ee68fd17e997-w320.webp)
Bradamante Tries to Catch Hold of the Hippogryph [recto]
The Sacrifice of Isaac
The Conversion of Saint Paul; Adam and Eve
Virgin of the Immaculate Conception
Rinaldo, Astride Baiardo, Flies Off in Pursuit of Angelica
Lion Hunt
Study for "Surprise" (Battle of the Tigers)
The Glorification of a Prelate
The Fall of Phaeton