Often called the patron saint of social realism, Ben Shahn (1898-1969) created this poster for the Office of War Information between 1942 and 1943 with the idea of aiding the cause of anti-discrimination in the shipyards. Rejected by the head of the Agency's graphic bureau, the poster was subsequently issued by the CIO Political Action Committee for Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1944 presidential re-election campaign. Shown here is the finished poster and the printer's proof which is the only one of its kind. In it, one can see the changes that the artist made to the face, hand, colors and tone to create a harmonious image that incorporates both subjects. |
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