Ben Shahn

Shahn, Benjamin

American, born Russia (now Lithuania), 1898 - 1969

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An abstracted, brightly colored dove is at the center of this cream-white poster. The bird's form is outlined in black and its body roughly filled in with horizontal stripes in shades of coral and garnet red, pale and aquamarine blue, and smoky pale purple. The bird faces our left with its beak parted and its wings ruffled. The word “McCARTHY” is prominently printed at the top in black, while the word PEACE” is in bold, all caps in blue at the bottom. The artist signed the poster to the right of the dove, “Ben Shahn.”
Ben Shahn, Health Professions for McCarthy, Lincoln Graphics, New York, McCarthy Peace (poster), 1968, color offset lithograph on wove paper, Gift of Andrew Robison, 2017.22.1

McCarthy Peace (poster)

Ben Shahn, Health Professions for McCarthy, Lincoln Graphics, New York · 1968 · color offset lithograph on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2017.22.1

This abstract composition features bold, dark lines creating the suggestion of a face superimposed over soft, sweeping brush strokes and shapes that form bird-like figures in flight. The varying shades of grey and blue around the abstract face give the impression of wings and feathers. Below, a series of structured black lines and arcs resemble an architectural facade, with colored rectangles that might be seen as windows.
Ben Shahn, Birds over the City, 1968, color lithograph on Arches wove paper, Gift of Joseph P. DiGangi, 2008.97.4

Birds over the City

Ben Shahn · 1968 · color lithograph on Arches wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.97.4

The image shows a composition of complex lines and shapes forming an abstract drawing. In the center, there is a bird-like figure with textured patterns resembling scales covering its body. Its wings and tail fan out with elegant curves. Next to the bird, jagged star-like shapes spread out, suggesting thorny foliage or a tangled bush. Below the bird, two boxy shapes with facial expressions could be seen as abstract representations of human faces. The lower section is filled with swirling, interwoven curves resembling sea waves or a densely grown field. The lines in the image convey an abstract impression of a creature amidst a thicket.
Ben Shahn, Branches of Water or Desire, 1965, screenprint in black on laid paper, Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Mary E. Maxwell Fund, and donation from Tracy Miller), 2015.19.1046

Branches of Water or Desire

Ben Shahn · 1965 · screenprint in black on laid paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.1046

The image displays abstract geometric shapes outlined in black with shades of blue and purple. The shapes form a twisted tree-like structure with swirling lines extending from the branches. Some shapes resemble leaves or birds perched on the branches. The design creates a complex symmetrical pattern of repeating elements.
Ben Shahn, Menorah, 1965, screenprint with transparent watercolor and gold leaf on Japanese paper, Gift of the Slatkin Family, 1983.111.1

Menorah

Ben Shahn · 1965 · screenprint with transparent watercolor and gold leaf on Japanese paper ·  Accession ID  1983.111.1

Ben Shahn, Blind Botanist, 1961, screenprint in black and green, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.1.42

Blind Botanist

Ben Shahn · 1961 · screenprint in black and green ·  Accession ID  1964.1.42

The image shows abstract shapes, geometric lines, gold highlights, colorful squares in blue and purple shades, and black Hebrew script.
Ben Shahn, Pleiades, 1960, hand-colored screenprint with gold leaf, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.1.43

Pleiades

Ben Shahn · 1960 · hand-colored screenprint with gold leaf ·  Accession ID  1964.1.43

The image shows dark, intricate lines and shapes intertwined with lighter areas, creating a textured appearance. A bold red signature, "Ben Shahn," is at the bottom right.
Ben Shahn, Alphabet (Greeting Card), 1960s, photo-offset lithograph on wove paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.1303

Alphabet (Greeting Card)

Ben Shahn · 1960s · photo-offset lithograph on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1980.45.1303

Ben Shahn, Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti, 1958, screenprint in black and brown, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.8.1543

Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti

Ben Shahn · 1958 · screenprint in black and brown ·  Accession ID  1964.8.1543

The image contains an assortment of lines and shapes, including black dots and thin connected lines forming geometric patterns. These elements are combined with a structure resembling a musical instrument, with strings and a body. The left side features patterns resembling molecular structures, while the detailing on the instrument resembles musical scores or fret markings. In the middle, a pattern similar to a rosette or floral design adds an ornate touch to the abstract composition.
Ben Shahn, Lute and Molecules, No.2, 1958, hand-colored screenprint, Rosenwald Collection, 1959.10.50

Lute and Molecules, No.2

Ben Shahn · 1958 · hand-colored screenprint ·  Accession ID  1959.10.50

The image displays a field of wheat close-up, depicted with fine, linear strokes. The horizon is not visible, as the composition focuses solely on the standing stalks. The top portion of the image is occupied by the heads of the wheat, painted in black, creating textured clusters against the pale background. Some stalks are marked with splashes of vibrant colors - blue, red, orange, and green - adding contrast to the muted palette. The combination of detailed black lines and bright dashes of color gives the artwork a lively visual impact.
Ben Shahn, Wheat Field, 1958, screenprint with transparent watercolor on watercolor paper, Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.1302

Wheat Field

Ben Shahn · 1958 · screenprint with transparent watercolor on watercolor paper ·  Accession ID  1980.45.1302