- Samuel Maitin
- Olympics, 1980, 1980
- Seriograph
- 35.5 x 23.5 in
- Framed: 37 x 25 in
- Signature: Signed and numbered 185 at lower center
- Inv: 2009-LITH-005
Television station WNET commissioned Maitin to create this poster for the 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan on December 24, 1979, the United States led a boycott of the games. Over sixty countries joined the boycott and did not send competitors to the Olympic Games.
Instead, 29 of the boycotting countries competed in track and field events in the Liberty Bell Classic at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field. Villanova senior Don Paige won the men’s 800m event handily, and Mary Decker set a new U.S. record in women’s 1,500m with a time of 4:00.87. The U.S. won 20 of 33 total events.
The quote is from Pierre de Coubertin, father of the modern Olympic games. He believed competing in sports could bring communities together, promote peace among nations, and stop discrimination.
Other Work From Villanova University Art Collection
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