1899 Borisoglebsk, Russia - 1987 New York City. Known for: Social realist figure and genre painting, lithography, teaching.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.Pencil on paper 26x18 inches Frame:37x29.5 inches