“Every new opinion, at its starting, is precisely in a minority of one.” – Thomas Carlyle, Heroes and Hero Worship, II, 1840, lecture in London, May 8. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Herbert Bayer, "Every new opinion, at its starting, is precisely in a minority of one."--Thomas Carlyle, Heroes and Hero Worship, II, 1840, lecture in London, May 8. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1961, metal, overall (includes base): 14 ⁷⁄₈ x 13 ¹⁄₂ x 12 ¹⁄₂ in. (37.9 x 34.3 x 31.9 cm) overall: 12 ¹⁄₂ x 12 ³⁄₄ x 13 ¹⁄₂ in. (31.9 x 32.4 x 34.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.25

Artwork Details

Title: “Every new opinion, at its starting, is precisely in a minority of one.” – Thomas Carlyle, Heroes and Hero Worship, II, 1840, lecture in London, May 8. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist: Herbert Bayer
Date: 1961
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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4th Floor
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50B
Dimensions: overall (includes base): 14 ⁷⁄₈ x 13 ¹⁄₂ x 12 ¹⁄₂ in. (37.9 x 34.3 x 31.9 cm) overall: 12 ¹⁄₂ x 12 ³⁄₄ x 13 ¹⁄₂ in. (31.9 x 32.4 x 34.3 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums: metal
Mediums Description: metal
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Abstract
Object Number: 1984.124.25
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.25

Artwork Description

Herbert Bayer developed the advertising campaign “Great Ideas of Western Man” for the Container Corporation of America, where he was a design consultant for twenty years. This series of advertisements combined graphic images with insightful quotes, and featured work by artists Rudolf Hoflehner, Edgard Pillet, and Paul Rand. Thomas Carlyle’s idea is reflected in the composition of the piece. One rod in the center of the chaotic construction stands out from the others, representing the “minority of one” whose ideas change our lives.