Fiddlin Bill Henseley, Mountain Fiddler (1937) by Ben Shahn

Fiddlin Bill Henseley, Mountain Fiddler - Ben Shahn - 1937

Artwork Information

TitleFiddlin Bill Henseley, Mountain Fiddler
ArtistBen Shahn
Date1937
Art MovementSocial Realism

About Fiddlin Bill Henseley, Mountain Fiddler

The artwork titled “Fiddlin Bill Henseley, Mountain Fiddler,” created by Ben Shahn in the year 1937, belongs to the Social Realism art movement and is categorized within the photo genre. This poignant photograph encapsulates the essence of rural Americana, characterizing the day-to-day existence and cultural heritage of the depicted subject.

The artwork presents a close-up view of an elderly man engaged in playing a fiddle. His weathered face, with deep lines and a stoic expression, reflects years of life experience and dedication to his craft. Adorned in a suit and hat, the man embodies the traditional image of a mountain fiddler. The visual focus is enhanced by the intimate setting and the clarity of the fiddle’s details, conveying a timeless narrative of musical tradition. The starkness of the background emphasizes the subject, allowing viewers to hone in on the emotive expressions and the intricacies of the instrument, creating a powerful connection to the historical context of 1930s America.

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