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Catalog Data

Artist:
Claude Buck, born New York City 1890-died Santa Barbara, CA 1974  Search this
Medium:
oil on fiberboard and oil on wood of integral frame
Dimensions:
30 7/8 x 49 in. (78.4 x 124.5 cm)
Type:
Painting
Date:
1943
Luce Center Label:
Claude Buck created many images inspired by literature, poetry, and the Bible. This painting is based on a quote from Matthew 22: When a group of spies asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes, he replied, "Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Here, Buck painted objects that evoke war, including a gun, artillery shell, helmet, and knife. He was disgusted by the events of World War II and painted this image to show that conflict and human cruelty are the responsibility of the "Caesars" of the modern world.
Topic:
Still life\weapon\gun  Search this
Allegory\civic\war  Search this
Religion\Christianity  Search this
Still life\written matter\book  Search this
Object\other\money  Search this
Credit Line:
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Claude Buck
Object number:
1983.46.8
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department:
Painting and Sculpture
On View:
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor, 39A
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor
Data Source:
Smithsonian American Art Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk70010ffaf-e1da-43ba-b0fe-c054a00eeb8b
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:saam_1983.46.8