Raphael Soyer and the Search for Modern Jewish Art

Focusing on the life and work of artist Raphael Soyer, this critical study explores how his Russian Jewish heritage and the immigrant experience shaped his artistic vision. Known for depicting everyday urban life, particularly city workers and marginalized individuals, Soyer's portraits reflect his deep connection to the human experience. Author Samantha Baskind offers a comprehensive analysis of Soyer's art, highlighting the subtle yet significant impact of his ethnicity on his creative expression, despite Soyer's reluctance to define himself as a "Jewish artist."