Good Defeats Evil, 1990
Grounds of the United Nations. The visitors entrance to the UN is on the east side
of First Ave., between 45th and 46th streets. Immediately upon entering the UN, turn
left and walk down the path that is parallel to First Ave. The sculpture will be on
The grounds of the United Nations are decorated with numerous sculptures that have
been given to the organization by the governments of member countries as well as by
individuals and other organizations .
Good Defeats Evil is a sculpture that combines traditional-style bronze work with a
more contemporary material--American and Soviet missals. "Good" is represented by a
depiction of St. George, who is astride a rearing horse. In his right hand he holds
an enormous spear, with which he is slaying a writhing dragon, representing "Evil."
The dragon lifts his head with one last attempt at resurgence, but it is clear that
this is the dragon's last breath: the dragon's body, which is made of an American
Pershing II missile and a Soviet SS20 missile, has been torn apart by St. George's
Possible discussion themes
Different methods for representing abstract concepts.
Definitions of good and evil.
Works that are specific to a location for reasons of content.
Related art works
Many of the works in the United Nations plaza are also on the theme of peace or
international relations. These works include:
We Shall Beat Our Swords into Plowshares.
Francisco de Vitoria.
Roots and Ties for Peace
Peace Fountain at Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
This sculpture also depicts good
triumphing over evil. Rather than political associations of good and evil, however,
this sculpture portrays religious ideas. "Good" is shown in the figure of the archangel
Michael, and "evil" is seen in the form of Satan, who has perished at Michael's sword.
- Gayle, M. & Cohen, M. (1988). The Art Commission and The Municipal Art Society
guide to Manhattan's outdoor sculpture. New York: Prentice Hall Press. p. 119.