Prometheus Unbound
Carl Bloch, 1864Fine art reproduction on 200gsm matte paper. A5 to A2, plus 12x16 and 18x24 inches.The eagle lies dead. For the first time in an age, Prometheus will be free.
Carl Bloch painted Prometheus Unbound in 1864 for King George I of Greece. In Greek mythology the Titan Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind. Zeus chained him to a rock, where an eagle tore at his liver every day. Bloch paints the moment of rescue. Heracles stands on the ridge with his bow, and the eagle lies at the Titan's feet with an arrow through its body.
The painting has a story of loss of its own. It hung in the royal palace in Athens, then vanished from view for decades. In 2022 a staff member of the Ribe Kunstmuseum found it in storage in the former Greek royal collection. It now hangs at Tatoi Palace near Athens. Notice the signature and date, Carl Bloch 1864, in red at lower left.
The look
Rock grey, storm blue and a flash of red cloth. Heroic, dramatic and huge in feeling. Greek mythology art for a study, a hallway or a home library, and moody wall art with a story as old as fire.
Sizes
| Size | Centimetres | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| A5 | 14.8 x 21 cm | 5.8 x 8.3 in |
| A4 | 21 x 29.7 cm | 8.3 x 11.7 in |
| A3 | 29.7 x 42 cm | 11.7 x 16.5 in |
| A2 | 42 x 59.4 cm | 16.5 x 23.4 in |
| 12 x 16 in | 30.5 x 40.6 cm | 12 x 16 in |
| 18 x 24 in | 45.7 x 61 cm | 18 x 24 in |
This painting stops at A2. Above that size the original photograph loses the fine detail of the brushwork, so the shop does not offer it.
Custom sizes on request. Inch sizes have a slightly different shape from A sizes, so the edges trim a little. Size guide
Frames and delivery
Choose a black, white or oak frame, or order the print unframed. It is printed locally in the UK, Europe, the US, Canada or Australia, at the location closest to you. Free tracked shipping, no customs fees. Printing and delivery
Gifting
A powerful gift for a graduation, a new beginning or a new home. The myth of the one who gave us fire.
More like this
More Greek mythology in our Greek Mythology Wall Art collection: Circe Invidiosa by John William Waterhouse, Medea by Frederick Sandys and Souls on the Banks of the Acheron by Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl.
