Prometheus

Peter Paul Rubens, Prometheus Bound, 1661-1662, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, oil on canvas.

Vic Zhang

In the ancient world, there were multiple accounts of how mortals came to be. These accounts often attributed the creation of mortals to Zeus alone, or to Zeus in collaboration with other gods. In some versions, both mortals and immortals originated from the same source. However, one popular tradition asserts that Prometheus was responsible for creating humans (Morford et al. 86). Prometheus is a well-known figure in Greek mythology, famous for his act of stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humans. As punishment for his defiance, Zeus condemned Prometheus to be bound to a rock for eternity, where an eagle would eat his liver every day. This myth has been explored in various forms of art, including the painting "Prometheus Bound" by Peter Paul Rubens, an influential Baroque artist. In order to find out the reason that Rubens chose to portray Prometheus as well as the spirit of this art piece, examinations of both the painting and the society are required.

Rubens' painting is a large-scale work, measuring over 8 feet tall and nearly 13 feet wide, and it is believed to have been painted around 1611-1612. The painting depicts that Prometheus is tied to the Caucasus Mountains as Zeus punished him for stealing fire. The enormous eagle's beak rips Prometheus's body, pulling out his entrails. The eagle's talons gouge into Prometheus's right eye, while his left eye is staring at the eagle, meaning that he is aware of his torture. Agony is conveyed in his clenched fists, writhing legs, as well as tousled hair. The liver was chosen as the source of suffering because Greeks regarded the liver as intelligence, soul, and the seat of life.

One of the notable features of the painting is the way Rubens depicts the figure of Prometheus. Rather than simply portraying him as a victim of the gods' wrath, Rubens shows him as a heroic figure, one who is willing to suffer for the sake of his beliefs. This is evident in the way that Prometheus is depicted with a muscular physique and a dignified posture, despite his obvious torment. His expression is one of grim determination, suggesting that he is not defeated by his punishment but rather remains resolute in his defiance.

The painting also reflects the political and religious climate of Rubens' time. At the time the painting was created, the Catholic Church was engaged in a bitter struggle against the Protestant Reformation, and the painting can be seen as a commentary on this conflict. Like Prometheus, the Protestants were seen as rebels against the established order, challenging the authority of the Church and seeking to undermine its power. By portraying Prometheus as a hero who stands up to the gods, Rubens may have been suggesting that those who challenge established authority can be seen as heroic figures.

At the same time, the painting can also be seen as a reflection of the artist's own struggles. Like Prometheus, Rubens was a highly talented individual who found himself constrained by the forces of authority. In particular, he was often at odds with the conservative artistic establishment, which disapproved of his bold, dynamic style. By painting Prometheus as a hero who defies the gods, Rubens may have been expressing his own desire to break free from the constraints that were holding him back.

To conclude, "Prometheus Bound" is a powerful work of art that captures the enduring appeal of the myth of Prometheus. It reflects not only the political and religious climate of its time but also the personal struggles of the artist who created it. By portraying Prometheus as a hero who stands up to the gods, Rubens has created an image that speaks to the human desire for freedom, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Through his painting, Rubens has given us a powerful reminder of the enduring power of myth and the human spirit.

Thomas Cole, Prometheus Bound, 1847, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, oil on canvas

Lawrence Shen

Thomas Cole's painting Prometheus Bound, created in 1847, is an evocative interpretation of the myth of Prometheus, a Titan who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity and was punished by Zeus. Here I am going to introduce the painting and its relevance to the time period in which it was created, including its inspiration, original reception, and subsequent legacy of influence. Through exploring the themes of rebellion and progress that are at the heart of the myth, Cole's painting invites us to reflect on the human experience, the power of human ingenuity, and the enduring struggle for freedom and progress that defines it.

Prometheus Bound was not the result of a commission but rather a reflection of Cole's interest in classical mythology.  As “one of his most sublime productions” (Junk, 1), Cole dedicated himself to learning new techniques for this artwork and envisioned it as a significant exhibit due to its large size (Junk, 37). The painting draws from the ancient Greek tragedy Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus, and depicts the struggle of Prometheus against the will of the gods and the spirit of human defiance that he embodies.

The myth of Prometheus has been a dominant tradition throughout classical mythology, depicting him as the creator of mankind and a symbol of defiant progress (Morford, 86). As Mark Morford writes in Classical Mythology, "The etiology of the myth of Prometheus is perhaps the most obvious of its many fascinating elements. It explains the procedure in the ritual of sacrifice and the origin of the fire—Promethean fire, the symbol of defiant progress. Prometheus himself is the archetype of the culture god or hero ultimately responsible for all the arts and sciences" (Morford 94). This depiction of Prometheus as the bringer of fire and the champion of human progress is clearly visible in Thomas Cole's painting.

In Cole's painting, Prometheus is portrayed as a solitary figure as he endures Zeus's punishment for giving humans knowledge and fire. The painting's depiction of Prometheus's isolation is heightened by the desolate landscape of snowy mountains and sky that surrounds him. Cole expertly renders the light on snow, creating an almost heavenly effect that emphasizes the figure of Prometheus in the center of the painting. The use of color and light in the painting adds to the sense of Prometheus's isolation and the harshness of his punishment, drawing the viewer's attention to the tragic heroism of Prometheus's defiance.

The theme of defiance and the struggle against oppression is at the heart of both the myth of Prometheus and Cole's painting. Prometheus is punished for his rebellious act of giving fire and knowledge to humans, and his punishment is meant to be a warning to anyone who dares to challenge the will of the gods. However, as the painting suggests, the defiant spirit of Prometheus cannot be easily extinguished. In fact, Cole's painting almost seems to celebrate Prometheus's defiance, portraying him as a tragic hero rather than a fallen rebel (Morford 96).

Prometheus Bound was sent to London for an 1847 exhibit and competition to decorate the Houses of Parliament, where it received little exhibition in the United States in the 1840s. The painting's subsequent legacy of influence is significant, as it has been recognized as an allegory for the abolitionist movement and the fight against oppression. Although Cole never commented on the specific theme of the painting, art historians have speculated that the portrayal of Prometheus' suffering at the hands of Zeus may have been intended as a comment on the issue of slavery. The mythological figure of Prometheus, seen as having an "indomitable spirit" and symbolizing progress and knowledge, could have served as a potent object lesson for political and social reform (Junk 51).

Thomas Cole's painting Prometheus Bound is a powerful and evocative interpretation of the myth of Prometheus. Through his expert use of color and light, Cole brings the myth to life, capturing the struggle of Prometheus against the will of the gods and the spirit of human defiance that he embodies. By exploring the themes of rebellion and progress that are at the heart of the myth, Cole's painting invites us to reflect on the human experience, the power of human ingenuity, and the enduring struggle for freedom and progress that defines it.

Jan Cossiers, Prometheus Carrying Fire, 1624-1625, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, oil on canvas

Arsh Bath

As a museum curator, it is an honor to present to you the painting "Prometheus Carrying Fire" by Jan Cossiers. The painting was made in 1624-1625 and measures approximately 199.5 x 282 cm. The myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, is portrayed in this masterpiece. In this "curator's remark," I will provide an analysis of the painting and its relationship to the Prometheus myth.

The painting is an oil on canvas work of art. The Prometheus myth is perfectly encapsulated in "Prometheus Carrying Fire" by the use of vivid hues, eye-catching contrasts, and dramatic stances. The painting depicts Prometheus as a muscular figure, holding a torch in his left hand and reaching for the sky with his right hand. He is surrounded by hills and rocks that are depicted in exquisite detail, giving the impression of harshness and wilderness.

The tale of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, serves as the basis for the painting's theme. Fire served as a metaphor for knowledge and enlightenment in Greek mythology. Prometheus, as a trickster figure, was punished by Zeus, who had him chained to a rock where an eagle would eat his liver daily. The scene in the picture shows Prometheus stealing the fire and bringing it to earth. The torch in his hand represents the flame of knowledge that he brought to humans, which would eventually help them to advance and progress.

Cossiers' use of light and shadow in the artwork is among its most remarkable elements. Prometheus is holding a torch in his hand that illuminates his body and the surrounding area while the blackness in the background alludes to the unknowable and the enigmatic. A sense of drama and motion is produced by the contrast between light and shadow, giving the impression that Prometheus is hurrying to spread fire throughout the earth.

                "Prometheus Carrying Fire" has a rich history and legacy. The artwork once belonged to Archduke Leopold Wilhelm's collection in Brussels before it was acquired by the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Cossiers' work was widely admired during his lifetime, and he was known for his skillful use of color and his ability to capture the emotional intensity of his subjects.

                In conclusion, the portrayal of the Prometheus tale in "Prometheus Carrying Fire" is astounding. The mythological figure is powerfully and evocatively depicted by Jan Cossiers' expert use of light, shadow, and color. The painting's historical context and its legacy only add to its value and significance. By showcasing this masterpiece, I hope to provide our audience with a deeper appreciation of the Prometheus myth and its enduring relevance to our lives today.

Works Cited

Blundell, Mary Whitlock. "The Myth of Prometheus in European Literature and Art." The Classical Quarterly, vol. 41, no. 1, 1991, pp. 1-16. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/638857.

Junker, Patricia. "Thomas Cole's" Prometheus Bound:" An Allegory for the 1840s." American Art Journal 31.1/2 (2000): 33-55.

Morford, Mark, et al. Classical Mythology. 11th ed., Oxford UP, 2019.