“The Broken Rod of Asclepius”
Acrylic paint on canvas board
I began this painting years ago, but had lost momentum, leaving it unfinished in my studio. With recent events reminding me why I started it in the first place, I was inspired to complete it and coincidentally it happens to be the Year of the Snake.
In Greek mythology “The Rod of Asclepius” is a serpent-entwined rod wielded by the Greek god Asclepius, a deity associated with healing and medicine. It is often confused with the caduceus symbol, which has two snakes and a pair of wings (a symbol of commerce and thievery). The Rod of Asclepius symbol has been associated with healing arts since ancient times, and in modern times it is the predominant symbol for medicine and health care.
For this painting, I replaced the traditional non-venomous Aesculapian snake with a deadly viper while incorporating the color red. Together with these elements including the viper gripping the broken staff is a symbol of destructive power, with anger and frustration, and the death it has caused. This once powerful symbol of healing has been broken by greed, lack of empathy, and unchecked power.