BEN SHAHN (1898-1969) FROM WORKERS TO FARMERS . . . THANKS! 1944. 39 3/4x30 inches, 101x76 cm. L.I.P. & B.A., New York. Condition A-: abrasions along vertical and horizontal folds; creases in image; tears at edges. Paper. In 1943, the Council of Industrial Organizations organized the Political Action Committee in order to "protect the political rights of the working man, the returning service man, the farmer, and the small-business man" (Prescott p. 124). In his posters Shahn primarily appealed to farmers and factory workers, playing to their fears of hunger, unemployment, inflation and war. "In words and images this poster transmits the desire of the CIO to stress the common bond between worker and farmer as a means of achieving united political action" (Shahn p. 127). Shahn 149.
