| Prometheus Bound | |
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| Artist | Peter Paul Rubens |
| Year | c.1612 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 95.67 x 82.68 in 243 x 210cm |
| Famous Paintings by Peter P. Rubens | |
| Samson and Delilah | |
| The Descent from the Cross | |
| Prometheus Bound | |
| The Raising of the Cross | |
| Adoration of the Magi | |
| Consequences of War | |
| Complete Works |
Prometheus Bound is a painting by the Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens. The painting was done using oil paints on canvas. The artist began the painting in 1611 or 1612, and finished it before 1618. The painting measures 95.67 by 82.68 inches. It is currently in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Style and Composition
Prometheus Bound is painted in the Baroque style. Much of Rubens’ work was inspired by religious themes, but the inspiration for this painting is the story of the Titan, Prometheus, from Greek mythology.
The painting depicts a prostrate and naked Prometheus chained to a rock beneath a large tree. A large eagle, with wings spread, stands on Prometheus and is pecking at an open wound that is surrounded by blood. The eagle was painted by Rubens’ contemporary Frans Snyders.
One of the eagle’s clawed feet is on Prometheus’ lower abdomen, and the other is on spread across his forehead and nose. The subject’s face is contorted in pain.