“When men can freely communicate their thoughts and their sufferings, real or imaginary, their passions spend themselves in air, like gunpowder scattered upon the surface; but pent up by terrors, they work unseen, burst forth in a moment, and destroy 

Paul Rand, "When men can freely communicate their thoughts and their sufferings, real or imaginary, their passions spend themselves in air, like gunpowder scattered upon the surface; but pent up by terrors, they work unseen, burst forth in a moment, and destroy everything in their course."--Thomas Erskine, on the Advantages of Free Speech, Rex v. Paine, 1792. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1954, crayon, nail, and photomechanical reproduction on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.242
Copied Paul Rand, "When men can freely communicate their thoughts and their sufferings, real or imaginary, their passions spend themselves in air, like gunpowder scattered upon the surface; but pent up by terrors, they work unseen, burst forth in a moment, and destroy , 1954, crayon, nail, and photomechanical reproduction on wood, 9 3⁄4 x 7 x 1 1⁄4 in. (24.7 x 17.6 x 3.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.242

Artwork Details

Title
“When men can freely communicate their thoughts and their sufferings, real or imaginary, their passions spend themselves in air, like gunpowder scattered upon the surface; but pent up by terrors, they work unseen, burst forth in a moment, and destroy everything in their course.” – Thomas Erskine, on the Advantages of Free Speech, Rex v. Paine, 1792. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
1954
Location
Dimensions
9 3⁄4 x 7 x 1 1⁄4 in. (24.7 x 17.6 x 3.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
crayon, nail, and photomechanical reproduction on wood
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure — fragment — eye
  • Literature — Erskine, Thomas — On the Advantages of Free Speech
Object Number
1984.124.242
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.242

Artwork Description

Paul Rand created this collage to illustrate a quote by Thomas Erskine for the Container Corporation of America. The inspiration for the design came from a painting in a book on Etruscan art, which depicted the profile of a face with what the artist described as "haunting eyes." Rand drew a face with wide, staring eyes and covered mouth to suggest an individual who is unable to speak. The image evokes a sense of despair or fear, emphasizing the importance of free speech.