Attributed to Paul Heermann

Sotheby's London, 9 July 1992, lot 210;

Private collection, United Kingdom

This imposing sandstone figure of Prometheus is attributable on stylistic grounds to the Saxon court sculptor, Paul Heermann. In collaboration with his uncle, Johann George Heermann (circa 1645 – circa 1700), Paul Heermann created the sculptural decoration of the staircase at Troja Castle in Prague between circa 1685 and circa 1705. Representing a battle between the ancient gods and Titans, these monumental sandstone figures provide clear stylistic parallels for the broad anatomy, heavy musculature, contorted pose, and angular features of the Prometheus. Compare, in particular, the figures of Hercules and Vulcan at Troja (op. cit., p. 24, figs. 8 and 9). While a scientific analysis of the stone used for the present sculpture has ruled out an origin in Bohemia, it is likely that the Prometheus was sculpted for a similar project in or around Dresden, where Heermann spent the majority of his subsequent career.

RELATED LITERATURE

C. Kryza-Gersch (ed.), Der sächsische Barockbildhauer Paul Heermann, Dresden, 2022