Description:

Raphael Soyer
New York / Russia, (1899-1987)
female nude
graphite and watercolor on paper
Signed bottom right.

Biography from the Archives of askART: Born in Borisoglebsk, Russia in 1899, Raphael Soyer is identified as a Social Realist* painter because of his interest in the common man, although he avoided subjects that were particularly critical of society.

Soyer moved with his family to the Lower East Side of New York City in 1913, after they were deported from Russia by the Tsarist regime. His father, a Hebrew teacher and writer, encouraged artistic and intellectual pursuits. His popularity with his students in Russia and his liberal ideas led to problems for him with the authorities, and he was forced to leave with his family.

Soyer left school at sixteen to help support the family. He attended free classes at Cooper Union* and at the National Academy of Design*. Guy Pene du Bois, a teacher at the Art Students League*, recognized his talent and introduced him to Charles Daniel, who gave him his first solo exhibition in 1929. The success of this event secured his position as a professional artist.

The experience of immigrant life in the United States provided him with a rich source of imagery for his art, which was sensitive, penetrating portrayals including transients, shoppers, dancers, and fellow artists. Near his studio in Manhattan's Lower East Side he observed his fellow New Yorkers.

His subjects were portrayed with strong, flat colors, which evoked a sense of isolation. Common themes were intimate studies of solitary women, often nudes, and portraits of fellow artists, reflecting his great affection and admiration for them.

Soyer's most frequent model was himself, often posed with pencil or brush in hand, as in Self-Portrait ca. 1927, and his work was mainly in oil and lithography*. He did not accept commissions for portraits because his interest was with the private person and the effects of the modern world on the psyche, rather than a public facade.

Artists he admired, such as Rembrandt, Degas, and Eakins, he felt were dedicated to showing their times truthfully, and emphasized inner character more than physical beauty.

Both of Soyer's brothers, Moses and Isaac, were also artists. With his identical twin Moses, he painted murals for the post office in Kingessing, Pennsylvania. He also taught at the Art Students League. He was a co-founder of Reality magazine and champion of Realism* at a time when Abstract Expressionism* dominated the American art scene.

The Depression's economic difficulties could be seen in his subjects, and unemployed men caught Soyer's eye. Women at work became a theme with Soyer after 1940.

On November 4, 1987, he died in New York.

Sources include:
Michael David Zellman, 300 Years of American Art
Matthew Baigell, Dictionary of American Art

  • Provenance: Raphael Zalman Soyer (December 25, 1899 – November 4, 1987) was a Russian-born American painter, draftsman, and printmaker. Soyer was referred to as an American scene painter. He is identified as a Social Realist because of his interest in men and women viewed in contemporary settings which included the streets, subways, salons and artists' studios of New York City. He also wrote several books on his life and art.
  • Dimensions: 19 1/2"H x 13 1/2"W (sight), 24 1/2"H x 18 3/4"W (frame)
  • Medium: graphite and watercolor on paper

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Professional in house shipping services are available for items. Shipping costs will include packaging, handling, and insurance. Shipping costs are in addition to the auction purchase amount and a separate shipping invoice will be sent to you after payment of your initial invoice. A low bid purchase price does not mean shipping costs will be any less. Some items may require a third-party shipper. Please let the office know if you would like to pick up your winning bid or arrange your own shipping.

Successful bidders will receive a final invoice within 3-5 business days after the auction giving you payment and shipping details, if applicable, pertaining to the item(s) you have purchased. After payment is made your order will go to shipping. You will be sent an additional invoice that is for shipping. It will ask you to verify your address before paying by credit card. Tracking information will be sent to your email. Large items will require a third party shipper. We will work to find the best shipping solution that's right for you!

October 7, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Indianapolis, IN, US

Ripley Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $199 $20
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 + $2,500