Definition

Proper noun A surname, specifically referring to Ben Shahn, a 20th-century American artist known for his socially and politically engaged paintings, murals, and graphic works.

Usage

• The museum is hosting a major retrospective of Shahn.
• Shahn's series on the Sacco and Vanzetti trial is a powerful critique of the justice system.
• The graphic style of Shahn influenced many later artists.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used almost exclusively in an art historical or biographical context to refer to the artist and his body of work.
• It can be used attributively to describe his style or themes (e.g., Shahn-esque social realism).

Variants and Related Words

• Shahnian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of Ben Shahn's work (a less common scholarly term).

Synonyms

• Ben Shahn (full name)

Notes on Meaning

This is a proper noun with a single, specific referent: the artist Ben Shahn. It does not have multiple general meanings.

Noun

1. United States artist whose work reflected social and political themes (1898-1969)