Year End Holiday Prestige Sale
Lot 251:
Description
Keywords: Zeus, Greek Mythology, old master works, Allegorical Themes, 1600’s painting, Rococo Artwork
Important Work: Alessandro Marchesini (April 30, 1664, Verona – January 27, 1738, Verona). *The Fall of Phaethon*, 17th century oil on canvas painting. The verso features an old paper label in French with the story of Phaethon on the stretcher. Marchesini was known for his allegorical works with small figures and for his Rococo style, which is reflected in the painting’s dynamic movement and color. Unsigned but strong attribution.
Provenance: Private collection in southern Germany.
To view larger resolution image of writing on verso please please copy and paste link into your search bar and download: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/u041idrsv063vveuik0gf/Untitled-1.tif?rlkey=t13wptg31rs5925c0m1tsozmd& ;st=monzlb7q&dl=0
Phaethon is the son of Helios who, out of a desire to have his parentage confirmed, travels to the sun god’s palace in the east. He is recognised by his father and asks for the privilege of driving his chariot for a single day. Despite Helios’ fervent warnings and attempts to dissuade him, counting the numerous dangers he would face in his celestial journey and reminding Phaethon that only he can control the horses, the boy is not dissuaded and does not change his mind. He is then allowed to take the chariot’s reins; his ride is disastrous, as he cannot keep a firm grip on the horses. As a result, he drives the chariot too close to the Earth, burning it, and too far from it, freezing it.
In the end, after many complaints, from the stars in the sky to the Earth itself, Zeus strikes Phaethon with one of his lightning bolts
Measurements: Art: 25 1/2 x 20 1/4 in. (64.8 x 51.4 cm.), Frame: 31 1/4 x 26 1/4 in. (79.4 x 66.7 cm.) approx
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