Claude Buck, The Things That Are Caesar's, 1943, oil on fiberboard and oil on wood of integral frame, 30 7⁄8 x 49 in. (78.4 x 124.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Claude Buck, 1983.46.8
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Artwork Details
- Title
- The Things That Are Caesar’s
- Artist
- Date
- 1943
- Location
- Dimensions
- 30 7⁄8 x 49 in. (78.4 x 124.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Claude Buck
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- oil on fiberboard and oil on wood of integral frame
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Still life — weapon — gun
- Allegory — civic — war
- Religion — Christianity
- Still life — written matter — book
- Object — other — money
- Object Number
- 1983.46.8
Artwork Description
Claude Buck created many images inspired by literature, poetry, and the Bible. This painting is based on a quote from Matthew 22: When a group of spies asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes, he replied, "Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Here, Buck painted objects that evoke war, including a gun, artillery shell, helmet, and knife. He was disgusted by the events of World War II and painted this image to show that conflict and human cruelty are the responsibility of the "Caesars" of the modern world.