Sacco and Vanzetti 1932

"Sacco and Vanzetti" is a 1932 painting by Ben, an artist known for his depictions of social and political themes. The painting portrays the two Italian-American anarchists, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, who were wrongly convicted of murder and executed in 1927. Their case became a cause célèbre for their supporters who believed they were victims of anti-immigrant sentiment and political persecution. Ben's depiction of the two men in chains evokes the tragedy of their unjust trial and execution. The painting, with its stark black and white color scheme, is a powerful commentary on the dangers of prejudice and the need for justice in the face of injustice.