Prometheus Being Chained by Vulcan

Dirck van Baburen (c. 1595–1624), oil on canvas, 1623

Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind. As punishment, Vulcan chained him to a rock, where an eagle pecked out his liver causing him excruciating pain. Here we see Prometheus being chained, his face contorted with fear, while Mercury laughs at him. Van Baburen borrowed the dramatic illumination and the figure’s sunburned hands and faces from his great model Caravaggio.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-1606
  • Dimensionsheight 201 cm x width 182 cm