Father and Son (1946) by Ben Shahn

Father and Son - Ben Shahn - 1946

Artwork Information

TitleFather and Son
ArtistBen Shahn
Date1946
Art MovementExpressionism,Social Realism

About Father and Son

The artwork “Father and Son” is a genre painting created by the artist Ben Shahn in 1946. It belongs to the art movements of Expressionism and Social Realism, reflecting poignant elements characteristic of these styles.

In the artwork, there are two figures set against a stark landscape of leafless red trees and a dark blue sky. The central figure, an older man in a black hat and coat, cradles a large sack, suggesting a sense of protection or burden. His somber expression and posture evoke themes of hardship and care. Behind him, another figure, perhaps the son, wearing a colorful garment, carries a framed picture of a fish, adding a layer of narrative to the scene. The red branches of the trees against the dark sky create a dramatic and haunting backdrop, amplifying the emotional intensity of the painting. Shahn’s use of color and form powerfully conveys the weighty and poignant dynamics between the figures.

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