She Who Must Be Obeyed

She Who Must Be Obeyed is a geometric aluminum sculpture composed of nine rhomboid units welded together into a cohesive form. The arrangement of these metal shapes creates different views from every angle around the site.

The General Services Administration commissioned this work in 1974 as part of its Art in Public Places program for the Department of Labor building. This initiative aimed to incorporate contemporary art into government spaces across the country.

The title references H. Rider Haggard's novel "She: A History of Adventure", linking public art with literary traditions. Visitors can notice how the work creates a dialogue between sculpture and storytelling.

The sculpture is located near Third and C Streets NW and can be viewed during regular building hours. Multiple vantage points surround the site, allowing visitors to explore the work from different angles.

Unlike Tony Smith's typical black sculptures, this piece displays a vibrant blue color that the artist originally wanted to match pool cue chalk. This unexpected color choice makes the work stand out in its urban setting.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1975

Creator: Tony Smith

GPS coordinates: 38.89460,-77.01570

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03