!906 Earthquake

Oil on canvas unframed

This is the view from California Street after the earthquake struck the City early on the morning of April 18 1906. This 7.9 magnitude earthquake rocked the City and the inhabitants of the ruined buildings watched from afar as San Francisco started to burn. Over 300 people lost their lives and 80% of the City was destroyed.

This large format oil on canvas was painted in a monochromatic color palette to convey the time period. The fires in the distance and the ruined buildings in the foreground tell the story of the devastation and shock felt by the people who experienced this historic event. This is part of a series of History paintings of San Francisco created by the artist.