Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Ben Shahn. It dates from 1942 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1942, this screenprint by Ben Shahn presents a stark, graphic encounter between two figures. Rendered in flat, saturated hues against an unadorned white field, the composition isolates the act of handshake, emphasizing the gesture as the focal point of the image.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a handshake between two men, one in a gray suit with a dark lapel and the other in a blue suit with a red tie. By reducing the faces to simple color blocks, Shahn abstracts individual identity, inviting viewers to consider the broader social or political implications of the exchange.
Technique & Style
Executed as a screenprint, the image relies on bold, flat areas of color and minimal line work. The figures are outlined with loose, sketch‑like strokes that convey immediacy, while the stark contrast between the vivid costumes and the white background heightens visual impact, characteristic of Shahn’s graphic approach.
History & Provenance
Ben Shahn, an immigrant from the Russian Empire who settled in the United States in 1906, produced this piece during a period when his art was closely tied to social realism and left‑wing politics. The print is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on view as an example of his politically engaged graphic work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ben Shahn (September 12, 1898 – March 14, 1969) was an American artist. He is best known for his works of social realism, his left-wing political views, and his series of lectures published as The Shape of Content. Born…
