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Ben Shahn Portrait 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.
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Artist: Ben Shahn
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 Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

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 Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

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 Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

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Ben Shahn portrait photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ben Shahn portrait 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 portrait photography, so small editions measuring 9 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Morris Engel, William Klein, and Jeffrey Silverthorne. Ben Shahn portrait 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.
Questions About Ben Shahn Portrait Photography
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    The 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.

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