(Amsterdam, 1921-Zurich, 2006)
Les Porteurs de Feu n°5, 1988
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right appel
81 x 116 cm (31 7/8 x 45 11/16 in.)
Provenance :
- Artist's studio, Paris
- Private collection, France
Literature :
Online Catalogue of Works by Karel Appel by the Karel Appel Foundation, described and reproduced in color under no. KA. 1988.74
In 1988, the artist's online catalogue raisonné compiled by the Karel Appel Foundation listed the series "Les Porteurs de Feu", which comprises seven paintings created using the same technique (oil on canvas) and measuring the same dimensions : 81 x 116 cm.
The title of this series was probably inspired by the Greek myth of Prometheus, the figure of the Transmitter or Bearer of Fire, who stole the sacred fire from Olympus to give it to humans.
Prometheus was condemned by Zeus to be chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus and to suffer the torment of the Caucasian Eagle every day.