Created By
Carl Frederik Reuterswärd
Bronze sculpture
Curator
Luke Chapman
By reimagining an instrument of violence as a symbol of reconciliation, the artist invites us to reflect on our collective responsibility to resolve conflict through dialogue and understanding. This work not only graces the United Nations Headquarters but also serves as a daily reminder that peace is both a choice and a continuous effort. As Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Laureate, so eloquently expressed: "The sculpture Non-Violence has not only endowed the United Nations with a cherished work of art; it has enriched the consciousness of humanity with a powerful symbol that encapsulates, in a few simple curves, the greatest prayer of man; that which asks not for victory, but for peace"
When Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd created Non-Violence in 1980 – the iconic revolver with a knotted barrel – he didn’t just create a sculpture. He gave shape to a universal symbol of peace that would go on to resonate with people across the globe. The artwork was his personal response to the murder of his friend John Lennon. Rather than reacting with anger or despair, Reuterswärd chose to express himself through sculpture – using bronze to forge a message as enduring as it is urgent. Since then, Non-Violence has become one of the most recognized and powerful visual symbols of peace in contemporary history. Monumental versions of the sculpture are permanently installed outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, as well as in Berlin, Cape Town, Beijing and many other major cities. It also holds a place in prominent art collections and museums, including Moderna Museet in Stockholm and the Sprengel Museum in Hanover. The work’s resonance transcends borders, cultures, and political divides — its message is timeless, and its form universally understood. Authorized castings of Non-Violence are available in bronze and other refined metals, produced in collaboration with the official Non-violence Project Foundation. Each piece is numbered, stamped, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The sculpture is offered in exclusive editions designed for private collectors, interior display, and monumental public installation. Certificate from the Non-Violence Project Foundation
Created By
Carl Frederik Reuterswärd
Edition of 8 + 2 AP
90 x 150 cm | 35 x 59 in
Base 145 + 50 cm
