Description
Raphael Soyer–Female Figure–Original Mixed Media–NYCSocial Realist
The socialist painters and brothers Raphael Soyer(1899–1987), his identical twin Moses Soyer (1899–1974), and their brotherIsaac Soyer, were born in Russia to a Jewish family. The family immigrated tothe United States in 1912 and settled in New York City. Two years later,Raphael began his formal artistic training at the Cooper Union with his twinbrother Moses. There he met Chaim Gross, another Jewish artist who later becamehis lifelong friend. Raphael continued his studies at the National Academy of Designand the Art Students League of New York.
In the 1930s, Moses and Raphael Soyer became centralfigures in the Social Realism movement, depicting the lives and struggles ofworking-class people.
As a figurative painter, Raphael’s portraits stand apartfrom those of many contemporaries for the way they emotionally distance theobserver from the subject. This sense of quiet isolation can also be found inthe portraits of his brother Moses Soyer and in Edward Hopper’s cityscapes. Thesame quality is present in this current study. While Raphael here employedpurer colors, the palette recalls schemes often used in his paintings, and thequick, short, swiping lines are characteristic of his draftsmanship.
The work is executed on laid paper and remains inexcellent condition, with only a small tape mark on the top edge of the verso.
Work Details
- Medium: Mixed media (pencil, ink, and wash) on laid paper
- Dimensions: 12.5 × 10 in
- Inscriptions:
- Lower left: RAPHAEL SOyER
- Condition Report: Excellent – tape mark on top edge of verso; unframed
Provenance:
Privatecollection- New Orleans, LA
Disclaimer:
I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracyand authenticity of this painting to the best of my ability. However, it is sold asis, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historicalattribution.
