“It is right that what is just should be obeyed; it is necessary that what is strongest should be obeyed. Justice without might is helpless; might without justice is tyrannical. Justice without might is gainsaid, because there are always offenders; might without justice is condemned. We must then combine justice and might, and for this end make what is just strong, and what is strong just.” – Blaise Pascal on might and right. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Dimitri Petrov, "It is right that what is just should be obeyed; it is necessary that what is strongest should be obeyed. Justice without might is helpless; might without justice is tyrannical. Justice without might is gainsaid, because there are always offenders; might without justice is condemned. We must then combine justice and might, and for this end make what is just strong, and what is strong just."--Blaise Pascal on might and right. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., ca. 1951, gouache, crayon, pastel, and paper on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.237
Copied Dimitri Petrov, "It is right that what is just should be obeyed; it is necessary that what is strongest should be obeyed. Justice without might is helpless; might without justice is tyrannical. Justice without might is gainsaid, because there are always offenders; might without justice is condemned. We must then combine justice and might, and for this end make what is just strong, and what is strong just."--Blaise Pascal on might and right. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., ca. 1951, gouache, crayon, pastel, and paper on paper, sheet: 15 1⁄8 x 12 1⁄2 in. (38.5 x 31.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.237

Artwork Details

Title
“It is right that what is just should be obeyed; it is necessary that what is strongest should be obeyed. Justice without might is helpless; might without justice is tyrannical. Justice without might is gainsaid, because there are always offenders; might without justice is condemned. We must then combine justice and might, and for this end make what is just strong, and what is strong just.” – Blaise Pascal on might and right. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
ca. 1951
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 15 1⁄8 x 12 1⁄2 in. (38.5 x 31.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
gouache, crayon, pastel, and paper on paper
Classifications
Subjects
  • Still life — weapon — sword
  • Figure — fragment — arm
  • Figure male — full length
  • Allegory — quality — justice
  • Allegory — quality — fortitude
  • Object — weapon — bow and arrow
Object Number
1984.124.237
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.237