When Sultans Disagree
Artist
Peter Rappoli
(b. 1947)
Date1980
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions100 x 73 in.
ClassificationsOil Painting
Credit LineGift of Ellen Wineberg
Object number2010.94
DescriptionAccording to Rappoli, "When Sultans Disagree" depicts the destruction of war. The sky is rendered in dark colors and shrouded by smoke and fire. This somber painting shows bombs falling from the sky onto a building. Another possible interpretation of the black and white object in the center of the painting is a book. Oftentimes books and artworks fall victim to destruction during conflicts and are lost to future generations. Rubble, smoke and the depiction of several puddles of blood reflecting the blue and white rectangular object all intensify the feeling of destruction and loss of human life because of war. "When Sultans Disagree" could be a commentary on the Iran-Iraq War which broke out in September 1980, the year this painting was created, and lasted until August 1988.
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