BEN SHAHN, SLEEPIING CHAUFFEUR ON WAY TO OR FROM NEW HAMPTON FARMS REFORMATORY, 1934 or 1935. 6 x 8 ½ inch brown toned gelatin silver print. Shahn had been long interested in prison reform. He made elaborate plans for a mural at Rikers Island that finally was rejected, raising protests. He also worked on a project at the New Hampton Farm Reformatory, which is about 60 miles from NYC. On one of his trips there he photographed his chauffeur sleeping in the back seat of the car. Aside from the circumstances surrounding it, this is a very rich print with a strong composition. The Fogg Museum at Harvard has a large archive of Shahn's work, from which this was deaccessioned and obtained by the Daniel Cooney Gallery. It was then purchased by the consignor.

Excellent Condition