The Biography Of A Painting

The Biography Of A Painting is a book written by Ben Shahn that tells the story of an artwork from its creation to its eventual destruction. The painting in question is a mural that was commissioned by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression in the United States. Shahn, a renowned artist and social activist, was asked to create a mural for a post office in New Jersey, and this book chronicles the process of its creation, as well as its journey through time.The book starts with a detailed description of the mural's subject matter and the inspiration behind it. Shahn explains how he chose to depict the history of the town of Roosevelt, New Jersey, and its people, including farmers, factory workers, and African Americans. He also discusses the technical aspects of creating the mural, including the materials he used and the techniques he employed.As the book progresses, Shahn describes the controversy that surrounded the mural's unveiling. Some people were offended by the inclusion of African Americans in the painting, and there were calls to have it removed. Shahn discusses his own feelings about the controversy and how he responded to it.The final part of the book deals with the mural's eventual destruction. The post office where it was displayed was closed, and the building was eventually demolished. Shahn describes his disappointment at the loss of the painting and reflects on its significance as a work of art and a historical document.Overall, The Biography Of A Painting is a fascinating look at the life of a work of art and the social and political context in which it was created. Shahn's writing is engaging and insightful, and his passion for his subject matter is evident throughout the book. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of art and the social issues that have shaped it.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.