“The great law of culture is: let each become all that he was created capable of being: expand, if possible, to his full growth; and show himself at length in his own shape and stature, be these what they may.” – Thomas Carlyle. From the series Great Ideas

Miguel García Vivancos, "The great law of culture is: let each become all that he was created capable of being: expand, if possible, to his full growth; and show himself at length in his own shape and stature, be these what they may."--Thomas Carlyle. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1965, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.299
Copied Miguel García Vivancos, "The great law of culture is: let each become all that he was created capable of being: expand, if possible, to his full growth; and show himself at length in his own shape and stature, be these what they may."--Thomas Carlyle. From the series Great Ideas, 1965, oil on canvas, 19 3⁄4 x 24 1⁄8 in. (50.2 x 61.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.299

Artwork Details

Title
“The great law of culture is: let each become all that he was created capable of being: expand, if possible, to his full growth; and show himself at length in his own shape and stature, be these what they may.” – Thomas Carlyle. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
1965
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
19 3⁄4 x 24 1⁄8 in. (50.2 x 61.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • State of being — mood — meditation
  • Figure group — male
  • Animal — cat
  • Architecture — detail — fireplace
  • Figure female — full length
  • Object — tool — scythe
  • Architecture Interior — domestic — house
Object Number
1984.124.299
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.299