Peace with Honor

Elijah Pierce, Peace with Honor, 1973, painted wood, glitter, 11 ³⁄₈ x 18 x 1 ¹⁄₄ in. (28.9 x 45.7 x 3.2 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David L. Davies, 1992.37.4

Artwork Details

Title: Peace with Honor
Artist: Elijah Pierce
Date: 1973
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 11 ³⁄₈ x 18 x 1 ¹⁄₄ in. (28.9 x 45.7 x 3.2 cm.)
Credit Line: Gift of David L. Davies
Mediums: wood
paint
Mediums Description: painted wood, glitter
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Object — weapon — dagger
Religion — Satan
Object — weapon — axe
Allegory — quality — deceit
Allegory — quality — harmony
Figure group — male
Object Number: 1992.37.4
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1992.37.4

Artwork Description

This carving shows two world leaders shaking hands, as if negotiating peace, but the tools hidden behind their backs and the two devils suggest that they do not mean what they say. This image of deception was probably inspired by Richard Nixon’s 1968 campaign promise to achieve “peace with honor” in Vietnam. The war would not end for several years, however, and during his presidency Nixon approved large-scale bombing of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.