Ben Shahn

Cherubs and Children
1944

A painting depicting five figures lying on a grassy ground with their heads together, forming a star shape. Each figure is dressed in different colored clothing. In the background, there are industrial structures, including red scaffolding and a bridge. A large yellow explosion emanates from the central figure's head, reaching towards a classical column and a golden statue on the right. The scene combines elements of classical art with modern industrial imagery.

A painting depicting five figures lying on a grassy ground with their heads together, forming a star shape. Each figure is dressed in different colored clothing. In the background, there are industrial structures, including red scaffolding and a bridge. A large yellow explosion emanates from the central figure's head, reaching towards a classical column and a golden statue on the right. The scene combines elements of classical art with modern industrial imagery.

Not on view

Date
1944

Classification
Drawings

Medium
Tempera on paper mounted on board

Dimensions
Sheet: 15 9/16 × 23 5/16in. (39.5 × 59.2 cm)

Accession number
45.17

Credit line
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase

Rights and reproductions
© Estate of Ben Shahn / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

API
artworks/1470

Exhibitions

Real/Surreal

Oct 6, 2011–Feb 12, 2012

Ben Shahn
13 works in the collection

View artist