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The subject of this painting is recounted in the play Prometheus Bound attributed to the Greek tragedian Aeschylus and possibly completed after his death. The Titan Prometheus is said to have assisted Zeus in establishing rule over the Titans but angered him by promoting humans and providing them with fire from Mount Olympus and the arts. As punishment, Zeus ordered that Prometheus be nailed to a high rock in the Caucasus, where an eagle would devour his perpetually regenerating liver on a daily basis.
The present painting is a reduced studio repetition of Jordaens’ largescale painting datable to circa 1640 (Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Cologne), which in turn derives from Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ famous painting of circa 1611-12 executed in collaboration with the animal painter Frans Snyders (Philadelphia Museum of Art).
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Condition report
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The canvas is supported with a glue lining and the paint is stable on the surface. Under natural light, the varnish is cloudy. A 1⁄4 inch tear is visible at the upper edge, 111⁄2 inches from the left edge. There is a 1⁄2 inch loss to the paint at the extreme upper right edge. Discolored, scattered retouches are visible at center over the eagle’s wing, and a few small losses are visible on the eagle’s neck. A 10 inch vertical repaired tear is visible with discolored strengthening to the left of the plant at lower right. A 5 inch vertical repaired tear is visible with discolored strengthening is visible at lower left. Some cracks are visible corresponding to the stretcher along the edges. Ultraviolet light does not easily penetrate the old varnish, though scattered touches fluoresce faintly here and there. A 1⁄4 inch area fluoresces on the eagle’s claw. Conservation and cleaning should transform this painting, though it could be displayed as is.
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Lot 60Sale 19740
Prometheus BoundSTUDIO OF JACOB JORDAENS (ANTWERP 1593-1678)Estimate: USD 30,000 - 50,000
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