Prometheus schept de eerste mens c. 1636 - 1670

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger created this engraving, "Prometheus Creates the First Man," during a time of shifting worldviews and increased interest in classical mythology. The image presents us with a scene where Prometheus animates the first human, his body surrounded by animals both wild and domestic. The sun and the moon look down on the scene. Van de Passe, working in the 17th century, taps into the enduring fascination with creation myths, exploring questions of human origins and our relationship to the natural world. Consider the emotional weight of this scene. There’s a tension between the power of creation and the vulnerability of the recumbent figure. The presence of animals adds another layer, suggesting a complex relationship between humanity and the natural order. Van de Passe is not just illustrating a myth; he's inviting us to contemplate what it means to be human. The print reminds us to consider the enduring power of myth to reflect our hopes, fears, and ongoing attempts to define our place in the world.