Ben Shahn Photography
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
Sideshow, county fair, central Ohio
By Ben Shahn
Located in New York, NY
Sideshow, county fair, central Ohio
1938/printed later
Stamped “Reproduced for the Library of Congress,” verso
Gelatin silver print
8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
Category
1930s Contemporary Ben Shahn Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Wife and child of sharecropper, Arkansas
By Ben Shahn
Located in New York, NY
Wife and child of sharecropper, Arkansas
October, 1935
Stamped “Reproduced for the Library of Congress,” verso
Gelatin silver print
8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
Contact gallery...
Category
1930s Ben Shahn Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
A destitute family, Ozark Mountains area
By Ben Shahn
Located in New York, NY
A destitute family, Ozark Mountains area
1935
Stamped “Reproduced for the Library of Congress,” verso
Gelatin silver print
8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
Contact gallery for pric...
Category
1930s Modern Ben Shahn Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Sideshow, county fair, central Ohio
By Ben Shahn
Located in New York, NY
Sideshow, county fair, central Ohio
1938
Stamped, “Reproduced for the Library of Congress,” verso
Gelatin silver print
8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
C...
Category
1930s Ben Shahn Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
Untitled (The Noyes School of Rhythm)
By Ben Shahn
Located in New York, NY
Vintage gelatin silver print
6 x 9 inches
This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City.
Category
1930s Other Art Style Ben Shahn Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Price Upon Request
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Ben Shahn photography for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Ben Shahn photography available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ben Shahn in silver gelatin print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1930s and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Ben Shahn photography, so small editions measuring 9 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Robert Capa, Murray Garrett, and Richard Avedon. Ben Shahn photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $100, while the average work can sell for $100.
Artists Similar to Ben Shahn
Questions About Ben Shahn Photography
- 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.