Peter Paul Rubens’ “Prometheus Bound”
The piece Prometheus Bound is based upon the mythological story of the Titan Prometheus who stole fire from the gods to give to mankind.(web 3) This work, which was completed in 1612, has a very interesting and diverse history. Flemish baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens was born June 28, 1577. By the age of 21 Rubens had become a master painter. At 21, Rubens traveled to Italy to continue his education. It was in Venice where he saw the radiant colors and majestic forms of Titian that influenced the style we see in his Prometheus work. (web1) Prometheus Bound was painted between 1611 and 1612. The more I look at this painting the more I like it but the stranger it becomes. The painting is of an almost naked man chained to a rock and fighting an eagle that is pecking out his liver. This piece symbolizes Baroque art at its purest. Most of the qualities associated with the Baroque are present in this painting. The painting is very dramatic in its portrayal of this struggle between Prometheus and the eagle. When I look at the eagle’s face I think it is grinning as if it were enjoying ripping out the liver of Prometheus.
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Prometheus Bound, Roman Catholic, Paul Rubens, Franz Snyder, Titan Prometheus, prometheus bound, Jesus Italian, 21 rubens, addition painting, , Peter Paul, peter paul rubens, paul rubens, peter paul, stole fire, left border, baroque art,
Approximate Word count = 762
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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