The Fall of Phaeton. Peter Paul Rubens, ca 1604-1608 Peter Paul Rubens, one of the greatest masters of the 17th century, painted "The Fall of Phaeton" as a young artist in Rome, depicting a dramatic moment from Ovid's Metamorphoses where Phaeton, son of Apollo, disastrously attempts to drive the Chariot of the Sun, resulting in chaos as the horses veer off course, causing Earth to freeze or burn. This scene captures the terror of the Horae and the disruption of the astrological bands, with Jupiter intervening to save the universe by striking Phaeton with a thunderbolt. The story, rich in allegory and moral lessons about pride and moderation, resonated with contemporary audiences and theorists like Karel van Mander. Rubens, influenced by his travels in Italy and the works of masters like Tintoretto and Caravaggio, infused this painting with dynamic light, movement, and complex poses, revealing his skill in merging classical and contemporary styles. Visible pentimenti show that Rubens refined this composition over time, focusing on the expressive potential of this cosmic drama. Credit: National Gallery of Art