Street musicians in Maynardville (1935) by Ben Shahn

Street musicians in Maynardville - Ben Shahn - 1935

Artwork Information

TitleStreet musicians in Maynardville
ArtistBen Shahn
Date1935
Art MovementSocial Realism

About Street musicians in Maynardville

The artwork titled “Street musicians in Maynardville” is a photograph taken by Ben Shahn in 1935. It belongs to the Social Realism movement, a genre known for its focus on social issues and the everyday lives of working-class people. The photograph captures a moment in the lives of street musicians, presenting a scene that is both candid and evocative of the era.

The photograph depicts three men sitting on the ground against a backdrop of a vintage automobile with its door ajar. The man in the center, wearing a light-colored hat and a suit, is playing a guitar, clearly the focal point of the group’s activity. To his left, another man, dressed in a dark cap and suit, clasps his hands together, seemingly lost in thought or intently listening to the music. On the right side of the guitarist, the third man, also in a dark cap, leans slightly toward the guitar player, suggesting a sense of engagement or collaboration. Their clothing and the casual setup on the dirt ground next to the car indicate an impromptu performance or break between acts. The open guitar case on the ground, perhaps for collecting tips, completes the scene, providing a glimpse into the livelihood of street musicians during the Great Depression.

The black and white photograph has a documentary quality, characteristic of Shahn’s work and the Social Realism movement, aiming to highlight the realities of life for ordinary people during a time of economic hardship. The attention to detail, from the worn soles of their shoes to the expressions on their faces, invites viewers to consider the musicians’ experiences and the social context in which they lived.

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