Raphael Soyer
American, born Russia, 1899 - 1987Self-Portrait, 1974
Not on view
Dry-point on paper
Dimensions15 × 10 11/16 in. (38.1 × 27.1 cm)
Image: 7 × 5 in. (17.8 × 12.7 cm)
Gift of Mr. Jack B. Pierson, 1993.5
This self-portrait depicts the artist Raphael Soyer (1899-1987) as an older man whose face is thinning and wrinkling, while his hair is dwindling away. There is a tired and somewhat forelorn expression as he stares out directly at the viewer.
Born in Tombov, Russia, Soyer moved with his family to New York City in 1912. As children he and his identical twin, Moses, and younger brother, Isaac, were encouraged to draw by their parents. All three went on to become professional artists. As youths, the brothers worked in factories and sold newspapers to make a living. Raphael received his training from Cooper Union, the National Academy of Design, and the Art Students League.
