Object Details
Artist
Mathias Klarwein, born 1932
Sitter
Barry Commoner, 28 May 1917 - 30 Sep 2012
Exhibition Label
As a microbiologist and ecologist, Barry Commoner practiced socially aware science. Focused on improving environmental outcomes by changing the systems of production, Commoner was an early proponent of organic farming, limiting fossil fuels, and recycling. He believed environmentalism was one component of social justice, where issues like pollution, war, racism, and sexism were interconnected. “I don’t believe in environmentalism as the solution to anything. What I believe is that environmentalism illuminates the things that need to be done to solve all of the problems together,” he once explained.
The February 2, 1970, issue of Time magazine proclaimed Commoner the “Paul Revere of Ecology.” This cover image shows the scientist against a landscape of clean air and water and healthy vegetation on the left versus a monochromatic, polluted wasteland on the right. Similarly divided, Commoner appears equally a champion for a cleaner environment and a doomsayer about its future.
El microbiólogo y ecologista Barry Commoner ejerció su profesión con conciencia social. Interesado en mejorar las condiciones ambientales cambiando los sistemas de producción, Commoner fue un temprano promotor de la agricultura orgánica, la restricción de los combustibles fósiles y el reciclaje. Pensaba que el ambientalismo era un aspecto de la justicia social, interconectado con problemas como la contaminación, la guerra, el racismo y el sexismo. “No creo que el ambientalismo sea la solución de nada en especial. Creo que el ambientalismo escla rece lo que tiene que hacerse para resolver todos los problemas en conjunto”, explicó.
La revista Time del 2 de febrero de 1970 declaró a Commoner el “Paul Revere de la ecología”. Aquí aparece contra un fondo que muestra a la izquierda un paisaje de aire y agua puros con vegetación salu dable versus un monocromo paisaje contaminado y destruido a la derecha. Su rostro, también dividido, lo proyecta a la vez como paladín de un ambiente más limpio y heraldo pesimista del futuro.
Collection Description
In 1978, Time magazine donated approximately eight hundred works of original cover art to the National Portrait Gallery. The museum is dedicated to telling the stories of individuals who have shaped the United States, and the Time Collection—featuring prominent international figures and events—enriches our understanding of the United States in a global context.
En 1978, la revista Time donó a la National Portrait Gallery cerca de 800 obras de arte originales creadas para sus portadas. Nuestro museo se dedica a narrar la historia de figuras que han contribuido a forjar el desarrollo de Estados Unidos, y es así que la Colección Time, que incluye retratos de importantes personalidades internacionales, nos ayuda a comprender mejor a nuestra nación en un contexto global.
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Time magazine
Date
1970
Object number
NPG.78.TC312
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Copyright
© 2023 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris)
Type
Painting
Medium
Acrylic on board
Dimensions
28.5cm x 20.9cm (11 1/4" x 8 1/4"), Accurate
See more items in
National Portrait Gallery Collection
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Topic
Nature & Environment\Water\Ocean
Costume\Dress Accessory\Eyeglasses
Nature & Environment\Plant\Tree
Architecture\Building
Imaginary
Equipment\Umbrella\Beach
Nature & Environment\Water\River
Nature & Environment\Sun
Barry Commoner: Male
Barry Commoner: Politics and Government\Presidential candidate
Barry Commoner: Arts and Culture\Education and Scholarship\Educator\Professor\University
Barry Commoner: Social Welfare and Reform\Reformer\Environmentalist
Barry Commoner: Science and Technology\Scientist\Biologist
Barry Commoner: Science and Technology\Scientist\Ecologist
Barry Commoner: Military and Intelligence\Navy
Portrait
Link to Original Record
Record ID
npg_NPG.78.TC312