“The reason, in respect of which we are rational beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are fellow-citizens; if this is so,

Hans Erni, "The reason, in respect of which we are rational beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are fellow-citizens; if this is so,, 1950, gouache, scratchwork and india ink on paper, sheet: 18 ¹⁄₂ x 14 ¹⁄₈ in. (47.1 x 35.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.88

Artwork Details

Title: “The reason, in respect of which we are rational beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are fellow-citizens; if this is so, we are members of some political community; if this is so, the world is in a manner a state…My nature is rational and social; and my city and country, so far as I am Antonius, is Rome; but so far as I am a man, it is the world.” – Marcus Aurelius Antonius, 121 – 180. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist: Hans Erni
Date: 1950
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: sheet: 18 ¹⁄₂ x 14 ¹⁄₈ in. (47.1 x 35.8 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums: gouache
ink
Mediums Description: gouache, scratchwork and india ink on paper
Classifications: Drawing
Subjects: Figure male — nude
Figure male — full length
Object Number: 1984.124.88
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.88