Earth Shaker

Oil on wood, 48 x 48 inches. Begun in 2018 and completed in 2023.

Earth Shaker is an epithet for the ancient Greek god Poseidon, the deity associated with the ocean. The painting was inspired by a bronze statue housed in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens. The statue was discovered in the ocean at Artemisium

Poseidon was an important figure in ancient Greek mythology and one of the twelve Olympian deities. He was primarily known as the god of the sea, water, storms, earthquakes, and horses.

In Greek mythology, Poseidon was characterized as a formidable and volatile deity often depicted wielding a trident, a symbol of his authority over the sea and ability to conjure storms. He was frequently depicted riding a chariot drawn by horses.

Poseidon was the brother of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Hades, the god of the underworld. According to mythology, the three brothers divided the world among themselves, with Poseidon ruling over the sea.

Poseidon featured prominently in numerous mythical narratives. Notably, he sided with the Greeks in the Trojan War and played a crucial role in assisting them against the Trojans. Additionally, he was a significant antagonist to the protagonist, Odysseus, in Homer’s epic poem “Odyssey.”

Worship of Poseidon was widespread in ancient Greece, especially in coastal areas where the sea played a vital role in the daily lives of the inhabitants. Ruins of a temple dedicated to Poseidon can be found at Sounio, near Athens.