The Seven Deadly Sins have been a popular theme with artists throughout Christian history, including one of the most well-known versions by Hieronymus Bosch. Kevin Grass wanted to update this idea for the contemporary world by including people dressed in current fashions and by incorporating a modern city skyline. The focal point for the upper portion of the composition is the artist himself, about to operate "old Sparky," the nickname for the electric chair, which was the method for killing people sentenced to death in Florida when he painted this work. The figure in the chair is supposed to remind of the Christ figure, because while Jesus was crucified by the Romans because that was their preferred manner of death at the time, in this era he would have been electrocuted in the electric chair if his sentence had been carried out in Florida. 

The lower composition has no single focal point. Instead, it shows various figures engaged in the acts associated with the seven deadly sins (clockwise from upper right): greed, anger, sloth, gluttony, vanity, lust, and envy. The overall message of the painting is that the "wages of sin is death" and that we need a Christ figure to redeem us for our sins. It takes these ideas, which have been prevalent in Christian art for centuries, and updates them for contemporary times. 

One item that is noteworthy about the condition of this work: it was painted in oil and varnished, and unfortunately, small hairline cracks have appeared on the surface of the painting over time. They give the piece even more the look of an Old Master work, but they cannot be repaired. The painting is sold in an "as is" condition. If you are seriously interested in purchasing this painting, but have reservations, please do not hesitate to call the studio and talk with Kevin about it. If he is not available just at the moment you call, then we will schedule a time that works for both of you. The studio telephone number is (727) 942-9020 and you may call between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or email us via the contact form.