The artwork titled “Allegory” by Ben Shahn, created in 1948, belongs to the art movements of Expressionism and Surrealism. It is an allegorical painting currently housed in the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
The artwork employs a bold and vivid use of red hues, enveloping a menacing, surreal creature at its center. The creature, with its exaggerated features and sharp posture, seemingly conveys a sense of foreboding. The painterly strokes and blending of colors contribute to the dreamlike, somewhat disorienting atmosphere characteristic of Surrealism. Notably, at the base of the creature’s legs are small, human-like figures, suggesting a narrative ripe with symbolic meaning. The overall composition directs the viewer’s attention to the contrasts between the imposing creature and the smaller figures, inviting contemplation on the themes of power and vulnerability.
