“Double Self-portrait,” created in 1933 by artist Ben Shahn, is a work grounded in the Social Realism art movement. This self-portrait falls within the genre of portraiture, capturing an intimate and powerful portrayal of the artist himself.
The artwork features a prominent figure, presumably Shahn, engaging in an act of building or reconstructing an object, possibly a scarecrow, with a stick held aloft in his right hand. The individual’s clothing, primarily a white shirt, contrasts sharply with the earthy tones of the surrounding environment. The background reveals an additional smaller figure, dressed similarly, standing in a contemplative pose and gazing towards the scene. This juxtaposition of scenes within a single piece speaks to the complexity and depth often associated with Social Realism, capturing both individual and collective experiences. The artist’s usage of soft, yet defined lines and a muted color palette contributes to the thoughtful and reflective tone of the artwork.