The Riveter (Bronx, New
York), Ben Shahn, 1938
(Smithsonian American
Art Museum)
By Henry Luong
S
The Riveter:
Biography
S Ben Shahn was born on
September 12, 1898 in
Lithuania and is known
for his works on social
realism, political views
and his book called The
Shape of Content.
S After moving over to New
York, he became a
biology student in 1919 at
New York University and
then pursued art in 1921
at City College and at the
National Academy of
Design.
The Riveter:
Biography
Continued…
S After his marriage in 1924
to Tillie Goldstein, he
traveled around North
Africa and Europe
studying illustrious artists.
After coming back to New
York he directed his own
originality creating a more
realist style and social
dialogue.
The Riveter:
Visual Analysis
S Tempera on Paperboard
S Dimensions: 33 x 14 ¾
(83.8 x 37.5 cm)
S Figure: male
S Cityscape- New York-
Bronx
S Occupation- industry-
construction
S Study- Mural Study
The Riveter:
Historical
Context
S Ben Shahn drew this
during the great
depression to portray
Franklin D Roosevelt’s
New Deal. Under this
deal, it allowed new jobs
for workers and one of
the main jobs were
construction workers.
The Riveter:
Significance
S Ben Shahn’s theme was
that people and their
talents are as important to
keep as natural resources
such as water and soil.