The Things That Are Caesar’s

Claude Buck, The Things That Are Caesar's, 1943, oil on fiberboard and oil on wood of integral frame, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Claude Buck, 1983.46.8
Copied Claude Buck, The Things That Are Caesar's, 1943, oil on fiberboard and oil on wood of integral frame, 30 7849 in. (78.4124.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Claude Buck, 1983.46.8

Artwork Details

Title
The Things That Are Caesar’s
Artist
Date
1943
Dimensions
30 7849 in. (78.4124.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Claude Buck
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on fiberboard and oil on wood of integral frame
Classifications
Keywords
  • 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.