In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a champion of humankind renowned for wily intelligence. He stole fire from Zeus and gave it to mortals. As punishment, Zeus had him bound to a rock, where an eagle continually eats his liver. This story illustrates that ancient Greeks recognized that tradition and convention constrain creative talent. Until the modern era, originality had little prestige; even in our time, Promethean creativity and originality continue to be challenged by cultural restraints from which no artist can wholly escape. Glen W. Bowersock, professor emeritus of ancient history at the Institute for Advanced Study, reviews ancient and modern literature, painting, music, and architecture to reveal that pursuing the apparent freedom of the artistic impulse turns out to be a subtle, firmly controlled process. This program is presented in partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago.
