“The Four Prosecutors – Sacco-Vanzetti Case” is a 1932 painting by Ben Shahn, classified within the Social Realism art movement. The artwork is a portrait that reflects Shahn’s response to the controversial trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, who were Italian-American anarchists convicted and executed amidst much public outcry.
The painting depicts four somberly clad men, presumably the prosecutors involved in the case, standing before a red brick wall. The figures are dressed in dark, formal attire typical of the era, complete with suits, ties, and hats. Each man carries a distinct expression, and their faces bear stern, resolute looks, possibly reflecting their role in the legal proceedings. The style is characteristic of Shahn’s work, blending elements of realism and caricature to convey a potent social critique. The brick wall in the background adds a sense of the institutional environment of the courtroom and may symbolize the rigid structure of the justice system. As a work of Social Realism, it strives to raise awareness of social injustices and provokes contemplation about the historical events surrounding the Sacco-Vanzetti case.
