Prometheus Chained by Vulcan

When this canvas was restored in 1972 and 1973, conservators removed overpaint from the lower left corner and found a painted rock about 20 centimetres long, carrying a second signature, Teodoor de Babuer fecit 1623. The first, T.D. Baburen, was already known at the lower right. The extra proof has its uses. A painting that is probably this one appeared in a Hague sale of 1738 under the name of Honthorst, Baburen's better-known colleague in Utrecht. The scene is the moment of punishment. Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods for mankind, lies thrown backwards with his head hanging upside down towards us, while Vulcan, the smith god, fastens the chain at his ankle. Mercury leans in with his winged cap and staff and laughs. In the shadows behind Vulcan waits the eagle that will tear at the prisoner's liver.