Prometheus’ Ichor
36 in x 24 in, oil on canvas, 2022.
This painting is of Prometheus. In Greek mythology, Prometheus is said to have stolen fire from the Olympian gods to bestow upon humanity, with the intent of elevating civilization. Within the piece, there are ghostly glows in ancient braziers paying homage to the Titan God of Fire’s great deed. The classical story of Prometheus’ punishment is the focus of the work, his anguish emphasized with dramatic diagonals and remnants of the method of torture imposed by the Olympians.
“And in ineluctable, painful bonds he fastened Prometheus of the subtle mind, for he drove a stanchion through his middle. Also, he let loose on him the wing-spread eagle, and it was feeding on his imperishable liver, which by night would grow back to size from what the spread-winged bird had eaten in the daytime.”
Hesiod’s Theogony, lines 522-526
Near the side of the liver, a black eagle has lost a feather, highlighting the brief refuge and immortal recovery as Prometheus awaits the continuation of the doleful cycle.
Supported by little to no classical and modern artistic depictions, this Prometheus bleeds ichor, the blood of gods and immortals mentioned in mythological accounts and writing. This inspired the honey-like gold substance flowing from the ribs and is echoed by the choice of a gilded antique-style frame.
