Paul Rand, "When men can freely communicate their thoughts and their sufferings, real or imaginary, their passions spend themselves in air, like gunpowder scattered upon the surface; but pent up by terrors, they work unseen, burst forth in a moment, and destroy , 1954, crayon, nail, and photomechanical reproduction on wood, 9 3⁄4 x 7 x 1 1⁄4 in. (24.7 x 17.6 x 3.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.242
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Artwork Details
- Title
- “When men can freely communicate their thoughts and their sufferings, real or imaginary, their passions spend themselves in air, like gunpowder scattered upon the surface; but pent up by terrors, they work unseen, burst forth in a moment, and destroy everything in their course.” – Thomas Erskine, on the Advantages of Free Speech, Rex v. Paine, 1792. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
- Artist
- Date
- 1954
- Location
- Dimensions
- 9 3⁄4 x 7 x 1 1⁄4 in. (24.7 x 17.6 x 3.0 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Container Corporation of America
- Mediums Description
- crayon, nail, and photomechanical reproduction on wood
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Literature — Erskine, Thomas — On the Advantages of Free Speech
- Figure — fragment — eye
- Object Number
- 1984.124.242
Artwork Description
Paul Rand created this collage to illustrate a quote by Thomas Erskine for the Container Corporation of America. The inspiration for the design came from a painting in a book on Etruscan art, which depicted the profile of a face with what the artist described as "haunting eyes." Rand drew a face with wide, staring eyes and covered mouth to suggest an individual who is unable to speak. The image evokes a sense of despair or fear, emphasizing the importance of free speech.