The Fall of Phaeton

Artist Sodoma (Italian, 1477–1549)

Dateafter 1500

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionscanvas: 64.1 x 56.8 cm (25 1/4 x 22 3/8 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Terms

canvas

Object number1925.121

Label TextGiovanni Antonio Bazzi, known as Il Sodoma, was born at Vercelli, where he apprenticed to Martino Spanzorti for seven years. After 1500, Sodoma is recorded working mainly in Siena. The second canvas depicts the fall of Phaeton, a son of Apollo. After recklessly driving Apollo’s sun-chariot, wreaking havoc with the weather on earth, Phaeton is struck down by one of Jupiter’s thunderbolts. His weeping sisters transform into trees, while his friend Cygnus laments, and turns into a swan.ProvenanceRaymond Henniker-Heaton, Worcester MA

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