1900
oil
canvas
From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Phaethon is a 1900 oil by John Singer Sargent, held at Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
This painting depicts a scene from Greek mythology, with Phaethon, the son of Helios, at its center. He is shown in a dynamic pose, with his arms outstretched and his body twisted in mid-air. The artist has used bold brushstrokes and vivid colors to convey a sense of energy and movement. In the background, there are hints of a celestial landscape, with swirling clouds and a deep blue sky. The overall effect is one of drama and tension, as if the viewer is witnessing a pivotal moment in the story. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.
John Singer Sargent (; January 12, 1856 – April 15, 1925) was an American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Belle Époque and Edwardian-era luxury.
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