Allegory 1948

Ben’s “Allegory” is undated, but given its imagery, it is safe to say that it was made sometime in the late 20th century. The work presents a large, red, monstrous figure looming over a group of smaller figures. The image creates meaning through the use of visual codes and cultural references, such as the color red, often associated with danger or warning. Given the artist's cultural background, the work may also allude to the religious and political turmoil of the period, or, more broadly, to the artist's own feelings about the destructive nature of human action. An art historian would be interested in the role of metaphor in the interpretation of this work. Further research into the artist's life, including interviews and biographical sources, may help to explain the meaning and broader context of the work. What exactly did this artist have in mind when they created this powerful image?