Shahn, Ben. FLOWERING BRUSHES. Prescott 82. Lithograph in colors, 1968. Edition of 100 printed by Atelier Mourlot, NY, and Published by Kennedy Graphics. 39 x 25 3/8 inches; 991 x 645 mm. Signed with brush in black ink, and with Shahn's stamped red chop. According to Prescott the Hebrew inscription, attributed to Hillel the Elder, reads "He (Hillel) used to say: If I am not for myself, who is for me? If I care only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?" The figure with one hand held thoughtfully to the chin and other holding brushes appears as a symbold of "the artist" in other works by Shahn, and together with the quotation can be read as a call for artists to use their creative powers (the "flowering brushes") to benefit the community. A beautiful and commanding image. A fine impression in excellent condition.
