118 Chapter 6
In the second gem type, Prometheus typically is shown affixing the
arm bones to a human skeleton, as in figures 6.7– 6.11. In figures 6.8 and
6.11 (plates 10 and 11), Prometheus uses a mallet or hammer to attach the
arm to the skeleton. 29 In these images, the supposition is that he will then
attach sinews and muscles to the framework of bones, adding internal
organs, blood vessels, skin, hair, and so on— working outward from nat-
uralistic interior anatomy to the finished human prototype.
In the context of the construction of a human form from internal
anatomy to external features, it is illuminating to compare an ancient
Chinese tale of artificial life. In this case a lifelike automaton was created
Fig. 6.6. Prometheus making the first man, half- completed with torso molded onto the skele-
ton. Engraving, Alcuni monumenti del Museo Carrafa (Naples, 1778), plate 25. Courtesy of Getty
Research Institute, Los Angeles (89- B17579).