catalog text
"PROMETHEUS AND THE EAGLE" AFTER MODEL BY EDOUARD DROUOT (FRENCH, 1859-1945)
Signed "E. Drouot"; foundry cachet "Syndicat des Fabric de Bronzes, 1818, UNIS France"; stamped D.D.
Item # 130112FHV07
An intense and emotional scene almost certainly influenced by the Greek mythology of Prometheus, the protector of mankind. The titan god Prometheus created man from clay and defied the gods by stealing fire from the heavens and giving it to humanity. To punish his rebellion, Prometheus is chained to in the Caucasus to the Kazbek Mountain where Aetos Kaukasios (The Caucasian Eagle) is sent every day to eat his ever regenerating liver - the eagle was a clear embodiment of Zeus, coming daily to torment Prometheus by feeding on his emotions. The liver was thought by the Greek's to house all human emotions, and that this was built up and destroyed daily was significant to the punishment. For thirty years Prometheus suffered this torment until he is freed by Hercules, who kills the eagle in a volley of arrows.
The present subject likely captures Prometheus ending the fallen eagle, a slight adaptation on the novel, but not an entirely unusual one considering the sentiment for the myth during the Romatic era. Seen as embodying scientific advancement and human progress, Prometheus taking the punishment of Zeus in his own hands, having been freed from his prior state of imprisonment, spoke clearly to an age that recognized the possibility for great improvement in the human condition. As Prometheus takes the boulder in his hands, he takes his own future in his hands, stepping free from the mountain into the horizon of tomorrow.
Executed with near perfection, the level of detail and tense emotion in the work is moving. A brilliant blend of deep brown patination, oxidized discolorating patinas and bright gilding distinguish the elements in a way that only bronze can - the scene becomes a picture from a sepia memory, separating from the realm of reality while conforming with perfection to every detail demanded by realism in sculpture. Every finger nail, the hair flying in his face, the feathers of the eagle, the deep scratches of claws in his leg and the naturalism of the base; everything is executed with the vision of an artist who was renowned for perfection of form. Signed in the base in his standard script "E. Drouot", the cast is sealed verso with the foundry cachet and cold-stamped "D D".
Measurements: 21" high including marble base, 19 1/2" high marble excluded; marble base 9" wide x 7 11/16" deep; approximately 11 1/2" wide (hand holding rock to tip of forehead); approximately 10" deep
Condition Report:
Light wiggle in joint between man and rock from the screw running inside likely loosening over the years - not in any way concerning, but worth noting. Very minor patina wear: light loss to patina back of neck, tiny scratches to inside of calf of his upraised leg, some verdigris oxidization in crevices, more notable in the wings. Overall outstanding condition, recently waxed for patina preservation.