Gouache on 1836 penmanship notebook page

Historical Context

This piece is painted atop an 1836 penmanship exercise page repeatedly inscribed with the phrase: “Governments are maintained by rewards and…” The word “punishments is cut off.

Artist’s Note

The figure interrupts the instructional text, softening and destabilizing its authority. Though written nearly two centuries ago, the phrase feels startlingly current — a reminder of the impact of a government left unchecked.

Details

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• Includes Certificate of Authenticity