Who painted The Fall of Phaeton?

The Fall of Phaeton was painted by Raymond Lafage in 1680.

Where can I see The Fall of Phaeton?

The Fall of Phaeton is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Fall of Phaeton?

The Fall of Phaeton is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Fall of Phaeton

Raymond Lafage , 1680

The Fall of Phaeton is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Raymond Lafage. It dates from 1680 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Raymond Lafage’s drawing *The Fall of Phaeton*, executed around 1680, is a pen and brown‑ink work over graphite on laid paper. The composition captures a single figure in mid‑descent, limbs contorted and cloth billowing, set against a loosely rendered atmospheric background.

Subject & Meaning

The image illustrates the mythological episode of Phaëton’s catastrophic plunge after losing control of the sun‑chariot. The twisted posture and outstretched arms convey the sudden loss of balance and impending doom, while the radiating jagged lines suggest the violent forces surrounding the fall.

Technique & Style

Lafage employs rapid, assured strokes of ink, allowing lines to intersect and overlap, which creates a palpable sense of motion. Cross‑hatching builds shadow on the figure’s body, while the brown ink adds depth to the drapery. The underlying graphite sketch remains faint, and the laid‑paper texture, with its subtle grid, is visible through the drawing.

History & Provenance

Created in the late seventeenth century, the drawing is attributed to Lafage, a French draughtsman known for dynamic compositions. Its provenance traces back to private collections before entering a museum holding of Baroque drawings; no further documentation of ownership is currently recorded.