“Every new opinion, at its starting, is precisely in a minority of one.” – Thomas Carlyle, Heroes and Hero Worship, II, 1840, lecture in London, May 8. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Copied Herbert Bayer, "Every new opinion, at its starting, is precisely in a minority of one."--Thomas Carlyle, Heroes and Hero Worship, II, 1840, lecture in London, May 8. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1961, metal, overall (includes base): 14 7⁄8 x 13 1⁄2 x 12 1⁄2 in. (37.9 x 34.3 x 31.9 cm) overall: 12 1⁄2 x 12 3⁄4 x 13 1⁄2 in. (31.9 x 32.4 x 34.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.25

Artwork Details

Title
“Every new opinion, at its starting, is precisely in a minority of one.” – Thomas Carlyle, Heroes and Hero Worship, II, 1840, lecture in London, May 8. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
1961
Location
Dimensions
overall (includes base): 14 7⁄8 x 13 1⁄2 x 12 1⁄2 in. (37.9 x 34.3 x 31.9 cm) overall: 12 1⁄2 x 12 3⁄4 x 13 1⁄2 in. (31.9 x 32.4 x 34.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
metal
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
1984.124.25
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.25

Artwork Description

Herbert Bayer developed the advertising campaign “Great Ideas of Western Man” for the Container Corporation of America, where he was a design consultant for twenty years. This series of advertisements combined graphic images with insightful quotes, and featured work by artists Rudolf Hoflehner, Edgard Pillet, and Paul Rand. Thomas Carlyle’s idea is reflected in the composition of the piece. One rod in the center of the chaotic construction stands out from the others, representing the “minority of one” whose ideas change our lives.