PIERO DI COSIMO
(b. 1462, Firenze, d. 1521, Firenze)

The Myth of Prometheus

1515
Oil on panel
Alte Pinakothek, Munich

Prometheus in Greek mythology is the son of Iapetus, a Titan. He created the first man from clay, stole fire from the gods to give to mankind, and was punished by JUpiter, the father of the gods, by being chained to a rock where an eagle came everyday to feed on his liver.

According to Ovid, Prometheus made the figure of a man from clay in the image of the gods. He is shown before a life-size statue which stands on a pedestal.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.