If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in

Media - 1984.124.305 - SAAM-1984.124.305_1 - 84401
Copied Arthur Williams, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in, 1950, pencil and watercolor on paperboard, sheet: 17 3414 in. (45.135.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.305

Artwork Details

Title
If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Date
1950
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 17 3414 in. (45.135.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums Description
pencil and watercolor on paperboard
Classifications
Keywords
  • Still life — art object — painting
  • Allegory — quality — justice
  • Portrait male — Hamilton, Alexander — bust
  • Still life — written matter — book
  • Still life — other — writing tool
Object Number
1984.124.305