Man reading newspaper in Jackson Square (1935) by Ben Shahn

Man reading newspaper in Jackson Square - Ben Shahn - 1935

Artwork Information

TitleMan reading newspaper in Jackson Square
ArtistBen Shahn
Date1935
Art MovementSocial Realism

About Man reading newspaper in Jackson Square

The artwork titled “Man reading newspaper in Jackson Square” was created by Ben Shahn in 1935. It is a defining example of the Social Realism movement and falls within the genre of photography.

The artwork captures a candid moment of a man engrossed in reading a newspaper while seated on a bench in Jackson Square. The photograph is composed with meticulous attention to detail, featuring the man as the central figure in the foreground, with his face intently focused on the newspaper. The background is filled with an active yet serene scene, featuring other individuals as well as the architectural structure of what appears to be a public building with arched windows. The dappled light filtering through the tree above and the soft shadows cast by the surrounding elements highlight the tranquil atmosphere of the square. This photograph serves as a poignant reflection of daily life during the Great Depression, embodying the essence of Social Realism by documenting the ordinary experiences of people during that era.

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