“The reason, in respect of which we are rational beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are fellow-citizens; if this is so, we are members of some political community; if this is so, the world is in a manner a state…My nature is rational and social; and my city and country, so far as I am Antonius, is Rome; but so far as I am a man, it is the world.” – Marcus Aurelius Antonius, 121 – 180. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Hans Erni, "The reason, in respect of which we are rational beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are fellow-citizens; if this is so, we are members of some political community; if this is so, the world is in a manner a state...My nature is rational and social; and my city and country, so far as I am Antonius, is Rome; but so far as I am a man, it is the world."--Marcus Aurelius Antonius, 121-180. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1950, gouache, scratchwork and india ink on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.88
Copied Hans Erni, "The reason, in respect of which we are rational beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are fellow-citizens; if this is so, we are members of some political community; if this is so, the world is in a manner a state...My nature is rational and social; and my city and country, so far as I am Antonius, is Rome; but so far as I am a man, it is the world."--Marcus Aurelius Antonius, 121-180. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1950, gouache, scratchwork and india ink on paper, sheet: 18 1⁄2 x 14 1⁄8 in. (47.1 x 35.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.88

Artwork Details

Title
“The reason, in respect of which we are rational beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are fellow-citizens; if this is so, we are members of some political community; if this is so, the world is in a manner a state…My nature is rational and social; and my city and country, so far as I am Antonius, is Rome; but so far as I am a man, it is the world.” – Marcus Aurelius Antonius, 121 – 180. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
1950
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 18 1⁄2 x 14 1⁄8 in. (47.1 x 35.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
gouache, scratchwork and india ink on paper
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure male — nude
  • Figure male — full length
Object Number
1984.124.88
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.88