138
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BEN SHAHN
(Untitled) Portrait of a Man with a Bridge
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Gouache and pen and ink on card stock. 250x200 mm; 9x7 inches. Signed in gouache,
lower left recto.
Shahn (1898-1969) consciously adopted a social realist style as the best way to foster his
artistic aim of public dialogue. His works comment on war, working conditions, poverty
and immigration—all with an underlying message of unity despite plurality. As a Jewish
immigrant from Lithuania, he experienced social inequality firsthand, which instilled a
sense of compassion for others that is felt throughout much of his work. Shahn worked
in a number of media, including painting, lithography and photography, but mural painting
was perhaps his most preferred vehicle, as it served as the most public platform to call
attention to social injustices.
[2,500/3,500]
