“Prometheus,” crafted by Arno Breker in 1937, is a notable example of sculpture within the Kitsch and Neoclassicism art movements. The artwork showcases the artist’s adept skill in sculpting, blending classical influences with stylistic flourishes that were prevalent during its time of creation.
The artwork depicts the Greek mythological figure Prometheus, known for stealing fire from the gods to give to humanity. The sculpture captures the intricate details of the human form, rendered with idealized musculature and dynamic motion. Prometheus is portrayed in a poised stance, one foot elevated on a rocky base, suggesting movement and strength. His arms are positioned to convey a sense of defiance and liberation, with one arm reaching upward, evoking the moment of triumph and defiance against divine authority. The sculpture’s smooth, polished surface emphasizes the anatomical precision and the neoclassical aesthetic of perfection and heroism.