The difficulty of our time is a difficulty of the human spirit.”– Albert Schweitzer, 1875 – 1965. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Rudolf Hoflehner, "The difficulty of our time is a difficulty of the human spirit."-- Albert Schweitzer, 1875-1965. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., ca. 1971, bronze on wood and marble base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.120
Copied Rudolf Hoflehner, "The difficulty of our time is a difficulty of the human spirit."-- Albert Schweitzer, 1875-1965. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., ca. 1971, bronze on wood and marble base, 38 181520 in. (96.938.150.8 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.120

Artwork Details

Title
The difficulty of our time is a difficulty of the human spirit.”– Albert Schweitzer, 1875 – 1965. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Date
ca. 1971
Dimensions
38 181520 in. (96.938.150.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums Description
bronze on wood and marble base
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract — geometric
  • Figure male — full length
  • Portrait male — Schweitzer, Albert
Object Number
1984.124.120

Artwork Description

This sculpture was used to illustrate a quote by Albert Schweitzer for the Container Corporation of America. Rudolf Hoflehner created many pieces inspired by the human figure and often welded large spheres and wedges on top of spindles to suggest exaggerated male and female forms. The heavy materials and dramatic structure express the political and psychic conflicts of the twentieth century.