De foltering van Prometheus 1733

Bernard Picart created this print of "The Torture of Prometheus" sometime between 1696 and 1733 using etching and engraving techniques. The image depicts Prometheus, chained to a rock as an eagle devours his liver, a punishment from Zeus for gifting fire to humanity. This scene, drawn from classical mythology, speaks to the complex relationship between humanity, knowledge, and authority. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Europe was undergoing a period of intense intellectual and social change known as the Enlightenment. During this time, traditional forms of authority were being questioned, and new ideas about individual rights, reason, and progress were emerging. Consider how the myth of Prometheus might have resonated with artists and intellectuals of the Enlightenment, who sought to challenge established hierarchies and advance human understanding. By studying Picart's engravings, prints, and book illustrations, and researching the social and intellectual context in which he worked, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which art reflects and shapes the world around us.