Prometheus - the Greek god, thief of fire and lover of humanity - is a character from Greek mythology, symbolizing a rebel who sacrificed himself for the good of people. Depicting him in art creates the possibility of a wide interpretation in surrealist art.
According to mythology, Prometheus was the son of the Titan Iapetus and the Oceanid. Brother of Atlas, Epimetheus and Menoetius, father of Deucalion
The story of Prometheus is extraordinary. According to one version of the story of creation, in a world occupied only by gods, plants and animals, Zeus entrusted Prometheus and his brother, Epimetheus, with the task of filling the Earth with living creatures. Zeus wanted them to equip their creatures with talents that would ensure their survival in the world they found themselves in. Prometheus molded a man from clay, symbolizing the body, and his own tears - symbolizing feelings. He brought him to life thanks to sparks from the chariot of the sun god, Helios. The character created in this way was weak and defenseless, and did not possess any divine attributes. Wanting to strengthen the man he had created, Prometheus stole fire from Zeus's abode. Thanks to this, the previously helpless people could warm themselves, chase away wild animals or prepare meals. Prometheus patiently taught them how to melt metals, forge armor or build houses. Thanks to this, people's position was greatly strengthened, which aroused the anger of the other gods. Zeus, in an act of revenge, ordered the creation of Pandora, to whom the other gods gave only wonderful features - Hephaestus beauty, Aphrodite charm, Hermes good character, and Athena taught female skills. The gods gave Pandora beautiful clothes and a mysterious box, which was her dowry, which she could not open. The woman created in this way came down to earth and tried to convince Prometheus, but he sensed a trick. However, his brother, Epimetheus, took Pandora as his wife. After the wedding, they decided to look into the box received from the gods. As soon as they lifted the lid, all the misfortunes flew out into the world, including illness and death. When Prometheus learned of this, he decided to appease Zeus's anger. He proposed that from then on, people would offer sacrifices to the god. However, not wanting to burden the man he had created too much, Prometheus also resorted to trickery. When Zeus discovered this, he became angry and ordered Prometheus to be punished by chaining him to a rock in the Caucasus. Every day, an eagle would tear out his liver, which would grow back each time. His suffering was a reward for the love he had bestowed upon man.
In the context of surrealist painting, Prometheus gains additional, non-obvious meanings, because surrealists were interested in exploring the subconscious, dreams, fears and desires. The figure of Prometheus, who symbolizes both rebellion and suffering in the name of higher goals, fits perfectly into surrealist attempts to discover hidden mechanisms of the human psyche and the relationship of man with the surrounding world and universe.
Prometheus, 2014
Surrealist painters depicted Prometheus in various ways and in various contexts. One example of depicting this figure may be presenting rebellion against norms and rules, opposition to limitations. Prometheus appears here as a symbol of the individual's struggle for liberation from limitations. Another context is the fire itself, which Prometheus gave to people. It is a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment, allowing one to penetrate darkness. It can also be a symbol of the endless cycle of spiritual and mental suffering and rebirth, which fits into the theme of transcendence, which is close to surrealism.
Prometheus II, 2016 - click here
In the works of Mariusz Lewandowski, a Polish surrealist painter, we can find references to this myth. His collection also includes two paintings that are direct depictions of this character - a painting from 2014 entitled "Prometheus" and a 2016 painting "Prometheus II". Both painted in oil on canvas. In the painting "Prometheus II" you can see a silhouette seen from behind, carrying a burning torch. The figure walks towards a group of blurred silhouettes in the distance. The figure is naked, her body is illuminated by a warm, golden light emerging from the darkness, which gives the composition an unusual intensity. The scene is full of drama, and the light of the fire dominates the painting. It disperses the darkness around the figure and gives the atmosphere a mysteriousness. The group of people in the background seems subdued, almost indistinct in comparison to the strongly illuminated figure with the torch. This may symbolize humanity waiting for the light of knowledge or hope that Prometheus brings.