Peace with Honor

Elijah Pierce, Peace with Honor, 1973, painted wood, glitter, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David L. Davies, 1992.37.4
Copied Elijah Pierce, Peace with Honor, 1973, painted wood, glitter, 11 38181 14 in. (28.945.73.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David L. Davies, 1992.37.4

Artwork Details

Title
Peace with Honor
Date
1973
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
11 38181 14 in. (28.945.73.2 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of David L. Davies
Mediums
Mediums Description
painted wood, glitter
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group — male
  • Allegory — quality — harmony
  • Allegory — quality — deceit
  • Object — weapon — axe
  • Religion — Satan
  • Object — weapon — dagger
Object Number
1992.37.4

Artwork Description

This carving shows two world leaders shaking hands, as if negotiating peace, but the tools hidden behind their backs and the two devils suggest that they do not mean what they say. This image of deception was probably inspired by Richard Nixon’s 1968 campaign promise to achieve “peace with honor” in Vietnam. The war would not end for several years, however, and during his presidency Nixon approved large-scale bombing of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.