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The Fall of Phaëthon

Art Appreciation

This captivating artwork plunges the viewer into a dramatic mythological scene, where a violent descent is vividly portrayed. The composition is dynamic and intense; a figure, enveloped in radiant light, seems to be falling or thrusting downward amidst a chaotic swirl of animals and mythical creatures. The palette contrasts the deep, shadowy earth tones of the lower section with the brilliant, almost divine yellows and blues above, creating a sense of divine intervention or cosmic struggle. The brushwork is expressive and somewhat loose, contributing to the tumultuous energy and emotional upheaval captured in the painting.

The artist masterfully blends symbolic imagery—a roaring lion, a twisting serpent, and other beasts—invoking themes of power, danger, and fate. The luminous halo around the central figure’s hand adds a spiritual dimension, suggesting a fall from grace or a catastrophic failure of celestial power. Painted in the late 19th century, this piece reflects the era’s fascination with classical mythology and the exploration of human vulnerability through allegorical storytelling, rendered with a romanticized yet haunting intensity.

The Fall of Phaëthon

Gustave Moreau

Category:

Created:

1878

Likes:

0

Dimensions:

2510 × 3942 px
650 × 990 mm

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