Samuel Lorkin, 1/8 study of The Apotheosis of Hercules

Samuel Lorkin

1/8 study of The Apotheosis of Hercules, 2026,

Oil on canvas,

30x48" (76.2 x 121.9cm),

$10000

Artist Bio
Samuel Lorkin is a Melbourne based artist and professionally trained architect whose work merges structural precision with unbridled creativity. Originally from Canberra, Samuel relocated to Melbourne three years ago, fully immersing himself in the city’s vibrant creative culture. While his background spans multiple media, his current practice favors oil painting, serving as a canvas for his maximalist and eclectic aesthetic. Drawn to the abstract and the unique, Samuel’s work rejects minimalism in favor of rich textures, bold concepts, and complex layers, creating a striking visual dialogue between his architectural roots and his love for expressive, unconventional art.

Artwork Statement
Ancient Greek mythology celebrated fluid desire and gender non-conformity, establishing Hercules as a complex archetype of masculinity. Centuries later, François Lemoyne’s Baroque masterpiece, The Apotheosis of Hercules, adapted this myth into a grand display of royal power and idealized heroism.

Dreamlike and theatrical, this study draws from classical grandeur and Baroque traditions. Swirling clouds, cascading figures, and celestial light merge in a dynamic, ethereal scene. Soft, painterly forms emerge from a palette of stormy blues, smoky greys, warm ochres, and muted blush tones, creating movement and unfolding drama.

Suspended between earth and sky, figures intertwine with flowing fabric and atmosphere. The loose, expressive brushwork allows viewers to discover moments of intimacy, tension, and wonder. Balancing abstraction with classical influence, this captivating piece invites contemplation, where fantasy, history, and imagination collide