Inspired by Greek mythology, John Woodrow Kelley’s painting, The Temptation of Hercules, reinterprets a classical allegory in a Neo-classical style, harking back to 19th Century masters like David and Ingres.
The classical context of the myth contrasts with the contemporary rendering of the figures, creating a tension that illustrates Kelley’s primary interest in the idea of real people playing symbolic roles.
Kelley feels that Greek myths “embody everything that is timeless about the human experience.” His figures are contemporary but the images are ancient, re-imagining, in Kelley’s unique way, man’s pursuit of self-knowledge and human values.
We are happy to have on offer Lot 79, John W. Kelley (b. 1952): The Temptation of Hercules, oil on canvas, 1986, with an estimate of $4,000 – $8,000, in our Fine September 5th evening auction, Property Removed from Brookbound, Claverack, New York.
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