Hercules Freeing Prometheus

François Lespingola, c. 1670

Hercules is here shown freeing the chained Prometheus from an eagle that comes to pick his liver each day anew. Jupiter had imposed this punishment on Prometheus for stealing fire from the gods. Lespingola’s statuette typifies the narrative, dynamic style of the late French Baroque. The lacquered brass stand was added around 1745.

  • Artwork typefigure
  • Object numberBK-2008-93
  • Dimensionsheight 57.7 cm x width 51.8 cm x depth 35.6 cm, height 42 cm, height 9.5 cm x width 35.6 cm x depth 25.4 cm
  • Physical characteristicsbrons, gelakt messing