Allegory of Fire, Oil on Canvas

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Oil on canvas. Emilian School, second half of the 18th century. The figure echoes the features of Prometheus, the mythological … Read more Oil on canvas. Emilian School, second half of the 18th century. The figure echoes the features of Prometheus, the mythological figure who stole fire from the gods to give it to mankind. Wrapped in a red cloth, the Titan drops the stolen torch with the burning flame and is engulfed by a column of smoke, within which animal claws can be seen, symbolizing the divine punishment bearing down on him. Near his right foot is the chain that will bind him to the rock where he will suffer daily punishment for his affront to the gods. The figure of Prometheus has often been used as an allegory of fire, understood both as a concrete element and in a metaphorical sense, as a symbol of the desire for knowledge and therefore of man's drive toward knowledge, which, however, can then turn against him and burn him. He was likely exhibited alongside allegorical representations of the other primordial elements: air, water, and earth. The painting has previously undergone restoration and relining. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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