By approaching his subject without sentimentality,Shahn makes a powerful social comment.The tragedy remains
understated in the taut hands & stark eyes of the widow.The absence of tears reminds us that the marginalised
cannot afford it’s luxury when survival is at stake.The widows posture is complemented by the spare overalls of
the deceased hanging against the bare walls-it heightens the the tragic nature of portrayal in matter of fact way.
The picture has different nuances.Note the baby held at an unnatural angle seeking it’s mother(the widow),
the grandmother torn between the baby & her daughter, or the casual departure of officials,after the tension of
conveying the “sad” news
The ADD-Challenged Eye 
One Comment
By approaching his subject without sentimentality,Shahn makes a powerful social comment.The tragedy remains
understated in the taut hands & stark eyes of the widow.The absence of tears reminds us that the marginalised
cannot afford it’s luxury when survival is at stake.The widows posture is complemented by the spare overalls of
the deceased hanging against the bare walls-it heightens the the tragic nature of portrayal in matter of fact way.
The picture has different nuances.Note the baby held at an unnatural angle seeking it’s mother(the widow),
the grandmother torn between the baby & her daughter, or the casual departure of officials,after the tension of
conveying the “sad” news