“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, 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: Lemuel B. Line
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: watercolor
Mediums Description: opaque watercolor on fiberboard
Classifications: Painting
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