La Chute de Phaëton (The Fall of Phaeton)

c. 1729-1742

comte de Anne-Claude-Philippe de Tubières Caylus and Nicolas Le Sueur, after Giuseppe Cesari

Associated Names
comte de Anne-Claude-Philippe de Tubières Caylus

Artist, French, 1692 - 1765

Nicolas Le Sueur

Artist, French, 1690 - 1764

Giuseppe Cesari

Artist After, Roman, 1568 - 1640

The image features horses and figures in motion amidst swirling clouds. The composition depicts horses rearing and tangled in a chaotic manner, with dramatic lighting suggesting a powerful light source. The figures are dynamically positioned within the scene, showing careful attention to form and musculature. The lines are fluid and controlled, with shading adding depth to the composition.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and chiaroscuro woodcut printed in black, light blue, and gray on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of David H. McDonnell

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 49.8 × 35.8 cm (19 5/8 × 14 1/8 in.)
    plate: 43.8 × 26.8 cm (17 1/4 × 10 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2021.112.7

  • Series Title

    Recueil Crozat

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Richard Jung, Fribourg-en-Brisgau, (L. 3791). (Antiquarius srl, Rome); David McDonnell, purchased 2012; gift to NGA, 2021

Associated Names

Inscriptions

recto: in plate, at bottom: La Chute de Phaëton / D'après le dessein de Joseph Cesari, dit le Chevalier Josepin, qui est dans le Cabinet de Mr. Crozat / Gravé a l'eau forte par Mr. le C. de C... et en bois par Nicolas le Sueur. 90*; verso: none

Markings

Richard Jung (L. 3791)

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