The Art of Symeon Shimin

Born in Astrakhan, Russia, on the Caspian Sea, Symeon Shimin (1902 - 1984) emigrated at the age of 10 with his Jewish family to the United States of America, settling in Brooklyn, New York. He started drawing two years later and never stopped. Over a prolific career, he created numerous canvases, illustrated over 50 children's books, created the original movie poster for Gone With The Wind, and painted the epic 40-foot long canvas for the promotion of King Vidor's Solomon and Sheba.

One of his most acclaimed achievements was the mural Contemporary Justice and The Child, awarded by the Public Works Arts Project for the Department of Justice Building in Washington, D. C., where it stands today. Sir John Rothenstein, director of the Tate Gallery in London from 1938 to 1964, said of this mural, "Ardent feeling is given expression in a large and noble design."

The Art of Symeon Shimin presents for the first time a meaningful perspective of this unique artist whose deep involvement in the quest for justice and human rights was paramount to the way he lived and painted. It includes over 100 plates and photographs, essays by Josef Woodard and Charles Donelan, and an autobiography by  the artist.

Explore related artwork by Symeon Shimin at the Chrysler Museum