The Fall of Phaethon

Lelio Orsi

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Lelio Orsi. The drawing shows a fantastical scene with a man leaping or being thrown above four galloping horses. The drawings of the horses are layered on top of one another and do not seem to exist in the natural world (those further back appear larger, thereby defying the rules of perspective). The man is facing forwards as he looks to the right and holds both his arms above him and to the left. Grey clouds are looming at the right edge of the composition. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "No. 19 LELIO ORSI (DA NOVELLARA) (b. 1511; d. 1586) THE FALL OF PHAETHON Collection of Sir Archibald Campbell, Bart., of Garscube. Pen and Indian ink, with Indian ink wash, on paper. 37 x 32.4 cm. (14 9/16 x 12 3/4 in.) Phaethon, with arms thrown up and drapery whirling loose, is about to be precipitated through space after his plunging team of four. Clouds and rays appear in the sky to the right; a broken wheel of the chariot is seen to the left. A good example of the manner of this spirited Correggiesque artist in dealing with a subject of violent action, remote from the themes of piety which prevail in his paintings. Other drawings by him of somewhat similar character exist. S. C."