Wordless Wednesday Prometheus Steals Fire for Mankind
Wednesday July 16, 2008
"Prometheus Brings Fire to Mankind" by Heinrich Friedrich Fuger, c. 1817
Public Domain. Courtesy of Wikipedia
"Prometheus Brings Fire to Mankind" by Heinrich Friedrich Fuger, c. 1817
Public Domain. Courtesy of Wikipedia
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Comments
Great painting! “Best start rolling the rock, boy.”
What better hero could we ask for than Prometheus, who knew he would be punished and horribly, for doing what he sincerely believed was the right thing. I love that myth as the self-less hero archetype.
The legend of Prometheus is amazing because it touches on so aspects of human psychology and history. (Fire, evil, creation…) This painting captures Prometheus’ decisions, actions and regrets perfectly.
I hope to spend more time on your site soon and reacquaint myself with all the fascinating mythical characters.
Send in the liver-eating eagles! I have to say, human kind looks extremely oblivious in the face of a magnificent gift.
A “fiery” piece of art, wonderful. Thank you for sharing
Kallie - To me it appears that mankind was sleeping because it was dark and is not yet awake/alert enough to see Prometheus or understand his priceless gift.
Here’s a link one of you might be interested in Sisyphus.
The torch raised in the air seems triumphant, but he’s definitely having second thoughts.
Great work of art!
I love how dramatic Neo-Classicist artists tended to be. Look at Prometheus, here. The hesitation! The thoughtful finger to the chin! The swirling robes that almost, but do not quite expose his man bits! Is all of this worth risking Dad’s wrath? Stay tuned!
Really, though, I like this painting precisely for its drama. The moment of decision, of gifting us lowly mortals with fire and damn the torpedoes, is much more intriguing to me than the whole ensuing chain-rock-liver part of the story.