Justice Denied: Ben Shahn and the Case of Sacco and Vanzetti (Encore)

·40 min·4 clips

Artist Ben Shahn realized he was 'living through another crucifixion' with the Sacco and Vanzetti case—here was something to paint.

This episode explores the intersection of labor history, art, and justice through the story of artist Ben Shahn's response to the wrongful execution of Italian immigrant anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti in 1927. It also examines how American fascism developed in Michigan through transnational networks connecting Henry Ford's anti-Semitism to Nazi ideology, and features labor protest music from West Virginia activist Elaine Perkey.

As heard by us

Art, anti-immigrant fervor, and labor repression come together in a measured account of American history.

Ben Shahn's connection to the Sacco and Vanzetti case gives the episode its emotional weight, and the discussion widens into a clear account of how art, anti-immigrant fervor, and labor repression intersect in American history.

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Why you'd press play

If you want art history that lands like labor history, start here.

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