“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Arthur Williams, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1950, pencil and watercolor on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.305
Copied Arthur Williams, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1950, pencil and watercolor on paperboard, sheet: 17 3⁄4 x 14 in. (45.1 x 35.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.305

Artwork Details

Title
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
1950
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 17 3⁄4 x 14 in. (45.1 x 35.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
pencil and watercolor on paperboard
Classifications
Subjects
  • Still life — other — writing tool
  • Still life — written matter — book
  • Portrait male — Hamilton, Alexander — bust
  • Allegory — quality — justice
  • Still life — art object — painting
Object Number
1984.124.305