Prometheus geketend 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created this pen and brown ink drawing of Prometheus Bound in the late 18th or early 19th century in the Netherlands. The image depicts Prometheus, a figure from Greek mythology, chained to a rock as punishment for defying the gods. In this sketch, the visual codes of classical suffering are evident: the contorted body, the exposed limbs, and the barren landscape. The Dutch Republic and later the Kingdom of the Netherlands experienced considerable political and social upheaval during Van den Bos's lifetime, and the story of Prometheus, a hero who stood against tyranny, resonated with the revolutionary spirit of the late 18th century. We can interpret this drawing through the lens of its historical context, examining the classical sources that inspired it, the political events that shaped its creation, and the artistic conventions that informed its style. By consulting historical documents, literary sources, and critical analyses, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional forces that shaped this artwork.