Torture of Prometheus set within a cornice 1580

Cherubino Alberti etched this print, "Torture of Prometheus set within a cornice," around the turn of the 17th century. The image presents Prometheus bound, his liver eternally devoured by an eagle—a potent symbol of defiance and unending suffering. This resonates with the ancient Greek concept of 'pathos,' the experience of suffering that elicits empathy and understanding. The image of Prometheus, eternally punished for his gift to humanity, echoes through time. In Christian art, parallels can be drawn to the figure of Christ, whose sacrifice embodies a similar act of selfless giving and subsequent torment. We see iterations of this motif echoed throughout history, from the tortured saints of the Middle Ages to modern-day portrayals of tragic heroes, revealing a deep-seated psychological need to grapple with themes of sacrifice, punishment, and redemption. The viewer is drawn into a drama of hubris and punishment, engaging with these symbols on a visceral level, mirroring our own internal struggles with authority, rebellion, and the consequences of our actions.