About Raphael Soyer

  • Biography

    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 Natio...

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