Minerva assisting Prometheus as he attempts to scale the heavens, Artist unknown, c. 1756
Prometheus ventures to ascend to the Heavens, And boldly lights his torch from the rays of the Sun. Though the Sun may even grant peace to such a theft, For Minerva was his counselor and guide.
The image captures the moment when the Titan Prometheus steals fire for humanity. According to the version of the myth reflected in this text, the goddess of wisdom, Minerva (Athena), helped him secretly enter Olympus to hold his torch to the Sun's chariot and capture the divine flame. In the engraving, we see Prometheus holding the torch while Minerva acts as his guide and protector.