Human nature is originally good. Any evil in it results from the changes made upon it by external things. Of man’s first disobedience and the fruit of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste brought death into the world for all our woe. –Lu Wang (1139−1192), Chinese Philosopher and John Milton’s Paradise Lost. From the series Great Ideas.

Jacob Landau, Human nature is originally good. Any evil in it results from the changes made upon it by external things. Of man's first disobedience and the fruit of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste brought death into the world for all our woe. --Lu Wang (1139-1192), Chinese Philosopher and John Milton's Paradise Lost. From the series Great Ideas., 1960, watercolor on paperboard mounted on board, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.168
Copied Jacob Landau, Human nature is originally good. Any evil in it results from the changes made upon it by external things. Of man's first disobedience and the fruit of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste brought death into the world for all our woe. --Lu Wang (1139-1192), Chinese Philosopher and John Milton's Paradise Lost. From the series Great Ideas., 1960, watercolor on paperboard mounted on board, sheet: 17 5⁄8 x 22 1⁄8 in. (44.7 x 56.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.168

Artwork Details

Title
Human nature is originally good. Any evil in it results from the changes made upon it by external things. Of man’s first disobedience and the fruit of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste brought death into the world for all our woe. –Lu Wang (1139−1192), Chinese Philosopher and John Milton’s Paradise Lost. From the series Great Ideas.
Artist
Date
1960
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 17 5⁄8 x 22 1⁄8 in. (44.7 x 56.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on paperboard mounted on board
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
  • Figure
  • Animal — reptile — snake
  • State of being — evil — temptation
Object Number
1984.124.168
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.168