“The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.” – Montesquieu, Spirit of the laws, 1748. From the series Great Ideas.

Lemuel B. Line, "The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy."--Montesquieu, Spirit of the laws, 1748. From the series Great Ideas., 1952, opaque watercolor on fiberboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.183
Copied Lemuel B. Line, "The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy."--Montesquieu, Spirit of the laws, 1748. From the series Great Ideas., 1952, opaque watercolor on fiberboard, 24 x 24 in. (61.0 x 61.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.183

Artwork Details

Title
“The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.” – Montesquieu, Spirit of the laws, 1748. From the series Great Ideas.
Artist
Date
1952
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
24 x 24 in. (61.0 x 61.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
opaque watercolor on fiberboard
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
  • Figure male — bust
  • Architecture — classical
  • Literature — Montesquieu
Object Number
1984.124.183
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.183