“Nothing that is wrong in principle can be right in practice.” – Carl Schurz, 1829 – 1906. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Charmion Von Wiegand, "Nothing that is wrong in principle can be right in practice."--Carl Schurz, 1829-1906. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1966, oil and pencil on canvas, 49 ⁷⁄₈ x 27 ¹⁄₈ in. (126.8 x 68.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.300

Artwork Details

Title: “Nothing that is wrong in principle can be right in practice.” – Carl Schurz, 1829 – 1906. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist: Charmion Von Wiegand
Date: 1966
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
/
3rd Floor
/
East Wing
Dimensions: 49 ⁷⁄₈ x 27 ¹⁄₈ in. (126.8 x 68.8 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums: oil
pencil
Mediums Description: oil and pencil on canvas
Classifications: Painting
Subjects: Abstract — geometric
Object Number: 1984.124.300
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.300

Artwork Description

Charmion von Wiegand was entranced with "the multiplicity of things which lie just beyond the world of appearance." For her, art was a way of tapping into the underlying structures of the universe and revealing its spiritual essence.

The title of this painting refers to the work of Carl Schurz, the journalist, statesman, and reformer who was known for his advocacy of idealism in American civic life.