Prometheus Gives Fire to Man
Nestled under the 101 freeway in South San Francisco, commuters utilizing the SSF Caltrain Station encounter the compelling mural, “Prometheus Gives Fire to Man.”
In the 1996 dedication program, the notes describe the panoramic work as lending itself to an interpretation of South San Francisco’s transition from the industrial past of the early 20th century, through the industrious present of the then late 20th century, and to the possible biotechnical and culturally sophisticated future of the upcoming millennium. The forward movement and time progression of the piece conveyed the transportation theme. The project was jointly funded by the City of South San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board.
Viewing the mural left to right, one first sees the image of nearby San Mateo County’s Sugarloaf Hill and the creeping fog emblematic of the S.F. 
Bay Area’s natural microclimate. The worker represents man, highlighting the strength of perseverance as he harnesses fire, making steel evocative of the industry on which SSF was founded. The center of the mural displays the universe in the form of a double helix with the galaxy in the middle, emphasizing the origins of fire and light. To the right is "Prometheus" who stole the fire from the gods and gave it to men. The figure represents the golden man, the combination of all races. With the star torch in his left hand, he carries forth the seeds of life, illumination and energy. The multicolored spectral shift with hexagons in the lower right of the mural represents biotechnology and transportation.
In 2021, it was discovered that significant damage had been done to the monumental work by leaking water and unsolicited painting intended to cover up graffiti. In 2022, San Francisco’s Precita Eyes Muralist Association Inc. was engaged to repair and restore the mural. Conservator Aureliano “Yano” Rivera meticulously completed most of the initial repair in time for the Caltrain ribbon cutting ceremony launching the renovation and upgrading of the entire station.
Location
Caltrain Station, 590 Dubuque Avenue, South San Francisco 94080 View Map