Object Details
Artist
Rex Clawson, born Dallas, TX 1933
Luce Center Label
Rex Clawson created Mr. and Mrs. America in 1969 to express his anger at the government and the military during the Vietnam War. The badges on the male figure show the branches of the military, while the images on the woman depict state emblems, symbolizing the government. He chose these details to stand for particular people or events associated with the war. For example, the flag of the Lone Star State may represent Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texas native who was president during the worst years of the war, while the warning sign over the woman’s body probably refers to the extensive use of dangerous chemicals such as napalm.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Date
1969
Object number
1997.124.11
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Painting
Folk Art
Medium
enamel on wood
Dimensions
20 x 23 7/8 in. (50.8 x 60.7 cm.)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 23B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Figure female\full length
Figure male\full length
Allegory\place\America
Emblem\seal
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1997.124.11