Atlas, drager van het hemelgewelf 1696

This 1696 watercolor by Hendrick van Beaumont depicts Atlas, a Titan from Greek mythology, bearing the weight of the heavens on his shoulders. The celestial sphere, adorned with stars and zodiac signs, is depicted as a large orb, emphasizing the immense burden Atlas carries. This artwork serves as a visual representation of Atlas's enduring punishment, a common theme in art and literature. The artist's use of watercolor creates a delicate and nuanced representation of Atlas's musculature and the celestial sphere, highlighting the weight and pressure he endures.