Death of Phaeton
1682
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1682
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Death of Phaeton is a 1682 ink by Michael Burghers, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a chaotic scene with a mix of human and winged figures. At the center, a naked woman with wings stands on a cloud, holding a torch or staff. Below her, a group of people—some standing, some lying—seem caught in panic or pain. The sky is full of swirling clouds, and the ground looks rocky, with a few animals scattered around. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and emotion, almost like a dramatic story unfolding. The mix of human and divine figures suggests this isn’t just a regular scene—it’s meant to tell a bigger tale. If you like this style, check out more about Baroque.
