The Fall of Phaeton with the Chariot of the Sun

Pablo Picasso 1881 - 1973

Summary

The line-work in this etching is distinctive as the subject is depicted using clear, precise lines to delineate the forms without any tonal gradation. Within the parameter of the framing rectangle there are three horses whose bodies are all intertwined which gives a sense of confusion and chaos. Two of the horses’ heads are turned to the right and therefore seen in profile at the top of the composition, whilst the other horses head is seen almost straight on as it has its nose to the ground in the bottom of the composition. Above the horses, draped on top of the pile of intertwined limbs is the limp body of a man. His legs are seen falling down to the right and his head falls down, facing away from the viewer, to the left alongside one of the horses. The limpness of his body is further emphasised by the awkward way his arm falls forwards in the opposite direction to his head. Outside of the rectangular frame of the main subject there are different head studies. In the top left hand corner there are three heads seen in profile one behind the other and along the bottom there are four other heads more evenly spread out, two seen front-on and the other two seen in profile. An etching from the series 'Les Metamorphoses d'Ovide', 1931.

Display Label

The fall of Phaeton 1930 Pablo Picasso 1881-1973 Etching This etching is one of a series of thirty illustrations for a 1931 translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses. The crisply etched lines were lightly bitten bu the acid, accentuated by wiping the plate of excess ink. In contrast, the heaf studies remain unwiped. Purchased 1934.549