The Complete Works of Philippe Smit
by Andreas Narzt and Florence Castellani
PS 275
The struggle against Evil
Alternate title: L'homme au bouclier
1925–30
Pastel on cardboard
39 5/8 x 29 5/8 in. (100.5 x 75 cm)
Signed lower left: Philippe Smit
Private collection, France
Inventories
Inv. Lotty Urban-Leteneur, n.d. [ante 1953], s.n., private archives: no. [29]: p. [1], Pastels: La Lutte contre le Mal.
Provenance
Private collection, France (gift from the above)
Exhibitions
No known exhibitions.
Literature & Primary Sources
No known published references.
Notes
The shield, a symbol of the sovereign power (the aegis of Zeus), represents the divine protection allowing those who carry one to oppose the power of the gods in their defence.
In the bible, it symbolises the strength against the evil and thereby faith. Psalm 33:20 and 21 says: "Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him." These words are inscribed in French around the edge of the shield.
Record last updated April 20, 2017. Please note that the information on this and all pages is periodically reviewed and subject to change.
Citation: Narzt, Andreas and Castellani, Florence. "The struggle against Evil, 1925–30 (PS 275)." In The Complete Works of Philippe Smit. www.philippesmit.com/catalogue/entry.php?id=275 (accessed on May 12, 2025).