How did Ben Shahn express his outrage about the Sacco and Vanzetti trial in this painting?

Question

The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti, painting by Ben Shahn, showing three men standing with flowers in hand near two coffins

Responses

Shahn used organic shapes and lifelike color to represent the figures and objects in the composition.

Shahn used organic shapes and lifelike color to represent the figures and objects in the composition.

Shahn cut and pasted magazine and newspaper photographs of the trial directly onto the canvas.

Shahn cut and pasted magazine and newspaper photographs of the trial directly onto the canvas.

Shahn adapted and combined newspaper photographs of the trial to create a powerful, abstract composition.

Shahn adapted and combined newspaper photographs of the trial to create a powerful, abstract composition.

Shahn portrayed a sense of grief in the review panel members standing over the coffins of Sacco and Vanzetti.

Shahn portrayed a sense of grief in the review panel members standing over the coffins of Sacco and Vanzetti.

Answer 1

Another way in which Ben Shahn expressed his outrage about the Sacco and Vanzetti trial in this painting was by incorporating symbolic elements such as the flowers in the hands of the three men. The flowers are often a symbol of mourning and remembrance, suggesting that the men are paying their respects to Sacco and Vanzetti. This further emphasizes the tragedy and injustice of their deaths, adding to the overall emotional impact of the painting.