Prometheus Bound by Rubens & Snyders: The Rebellion of Immortal Fire (c. 1618)
An eagle tears into a chained Titan's torso; guts gleam; fists clench; hair flies. Prometheus's eyes meet the bird's as if consciousness itself were part of the torment. In Peter Paul Rubens and Frans Snyders's Prometheus Bound (c. 1611-1618), punishment is not abstract theology. It is anatomy under attack. Quick facts Artist: Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and Frans Snyders (1579-1657) Date: c. 1611-1618 Medium: Oil on canvas Collection: Philadelphia Museum of Art Notable fact: Collaboration: Rubens on the Titan, Snyders on the eagle; myth of fire stolen for humankind Peter Paul Rubens, Prometheus Bound , c. 1611-1618. Oil on canvas. Philadelphia Museum of Art. Fire for Humans, Chains for the Thief In the Greek myth, Prometheus helps secure Zeus's rule, then defies him by giving fire and knowledge to humanity. The sentence is endless: bound on the Caucasus while an eagle eats his liver each day. Rubens makes the body Michelangelo-strong - Roman an...