Chaining Prometheus to the Rock 1783

Editor: This is Benjamin West's "Chaining Prometheus to the Rock," a drawing from around the late 18th century. The sheer agony feels palpable, even in this small rendition. What symbolic meanings do you see embedded within this scene? Curator: The eagle, prominently positioned, embodies divine retribution. Its looming presence is not merely pictorial but laden with the weight of Zeus’s judgment and power. Think about the historical context of Prometheus as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. Editor: So, the eagle isn’t just a bird, but a symbol of oppression. Curator: Precisely. And consider the chains binding Prometheus, each link a testament to curtailed freedom. It's a potent image, tapping into enduring anxieties about authority and defiance. What does that defiance mean to you? Editor: I never considered how much that symbol would evolve through time. Thanks for sharing your insights. Curator: A pleasure. Seeing these old symbols in our contemporary world is always inspiring.