Ben Shahn Portrait Paintings
American, 1898-1969
Ben Shahn (1898 – 1969) was a Lithuanian-born American artist. He is best known for his works of social realism, his left-wing political views, and his series of lectures published as The Shape of Content. Shahn began his path to becoming an artist in New York, where he was first trained as a lithographer. Shahn's early experiences with lithography and graphic design is apparent in his later prints and paintings which often include the combination of text and image. Shahn's primary medium was egg tempera, popular among social realists. Shahn mixed different genres of art. His body of art is distinctive for its lack of traditional landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. Shahn used both expressive and precise visual languages, which he coalesced through the consistency of his authoritative line. Shahn is also noted for his use of unique symbolism, which is often compared to the imagery in Paul Klee's drawings. His art is striking but also introspective. He often captured figures engrossed in their own worlds. Although he used many mediums, his pieces are consistently thoughtful and playful.to
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Artist: Ben Shahn
Suzanna and the Elders
By Ben Shahn
Located in Miami, FL
A modern interpretation of the biblical story Suzanna and the Elders.
Signed lower right
Ink and wash on paper
The Downtown Gallery
Felix Landau Gallery
Ernest Brown & Phillips, Ltd...
Category
1940s American Modern Ben Shahn Portrait Paintings
Materials
Ink, Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper
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Ben Shahn portrait paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Ben Shahn portrait paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ben Shahn in archival paper, gouache, ink and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1940s and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Ben Shahn portrait paintings, so small editions measuring 32 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Gershon Benjamin, Edward Marecak, and Robert McIntosh. Ben Shahn portrait paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40,000 and tops out at $40,000, while the average work can sell for $40,000.
Artists Similar to Ben Shahn
Questions About Ben Shahn Portrait Paintings
- What style of art is Ben Shahn?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024The style of art of Ben Shahn is social realism. Artists working in this movement sought to highlight social issues by depicting scenes that showed the struggles of modern-day life. For example, Shahn produced four paintings and more than 100 drawings inspired by a 1947 mining accident that killed 111 people in Centralia, Illinois. Arguably the most famous of these works is Miner's Wives, which shows the widows of the miners in mourning. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Ben Shahn art.