Protect and Serve

Nicholas Herrera, Protect and Serve, 1994, painted wood, metal, hair, plastic, 13 ³⁄₄ × 39 ¹⁄₄ × 18 ¹⁄₂ in. (34.9 × 99.7 × 47 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 1997.124.65A-B

Artwork Details

Title: Protect and Serve
Artist: Nicholas Herrera
Date: 1994
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 13 ³⁄₄ × 39 ¹⁄₄ × 18 ¹⁄₂ in. (34.9 × 99.7 × 47 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Mediums: metal
paint
wood
plastic
hair
Mediums Description: painted wood, metal, hair, plastic
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Architecture — vehicle — automobile
Figure group — male
Occupation — service — policeman
Object — other — sign
Object Number: 1997.124.65A-B
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.124.65A-B

Artwork Description

Nicholas Herrera had many run-ins with authority while growing up in El Rito, New Mexico, and policemen often appear in his sculptures. In Protect and Serve the figure of Jesus is being driven away by two officers. The quote "Forgive them Lord, they know not what they do, man" suggests that the sculpture is a contemporary take on Christ's capture by Pontius Pilate's guards. From the other side, the signs say "Welcome to the Land of Enchantment," which is New Mexico's slogan, and "Gringo Hills 30 miles," which implies a wealthy, white district. Herrera makes a connection between the crucifixion of Christ and the persecution of minorities in America, particularly by the police. The title Protect and Serve is an ironic take on the well-known police motto, suggesting that some people need protection from the police. It may also refer to the painting of a saint on the underside of the car's roof, which evokes the idea of a guardian angel.