Prometheus steelt het vuur na het boetseren van de mens 1535 - 1604

This etching by Étienne Dupérac, titled "Prometheus steelt het vuur na het boetseren van de mens" (Prometheus steals fire after sculpting man), depicts the Greek myth of Prometheus. The scene shows Prometheus in the clouds, stealing fire from the gods and bringing it to humankind. The background features a Roman ruin, a reminder of the enduring legacy of ancient culture. Dupérac's work exemplifies the popularity of classical themes in 16th-century art, reflecting a renewed interest in ancient history and mythology. The detailed depiction of the figures and architecture, and the use of light and shadow, creates a sense of depth and realism, typical of the Renaissance style. This print, housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to Dupérac's skill as an engraver and his contribution to the artistic revival of the 16th century.