| Raphael Soyer is undoubtedly one of Americas most famous twentieth century artists. He emigrated to New York City at the age of ten and shortly thereafter studied at the Art Students League while supporting himself and his family by working in factories and selling newspapers. Recognition thankfully came quickly to Soyer and in 1917 he published his first original lithograph. Soyer went on to become one of the greatest chroniclers of life in the Depression era and beyond. A full member of the National Academy, Soyers original lithographs and paintings are included in most major American and international collections.
One writer states, The glamour and gaiety of city life or the impressive vistas and mighty skyscrapers that had been attractive subjects for New York painters were ignored by Soyer as he turned toward other kinds of realities and created his compassionate images of less fortunate people. ... Soyers sympathetic portrayals of the misfortunate and indigent were untouched by the doctrinaire or harsh commentaries of some of his artist friends. * Along with Kathe Kollowitz, Raphael Soyers compassion is felt in al his art. (James Watrous, A Century of American Printmaking: 1880-1980, Madison, University of Wisconsin Press, 1984, p. 119)
Until about 1960, all Soyers lithographic art was black and white. After that date he frequently created colour lithographs and proved himself a master of this medium like any other. |
