Men on Crutches (or similar title from the Depression era/Social Realist series)
Original print (Lithograph) on paper • Raphael Soyer (signed in pencil lower right)
Style & Movement
Social Realism / American Scene Painting
Medium & Technique
Color lithography with hand-drawn crayon/tusche texture on stone, likely hand-colored or produced with multiple color stones.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, likely created between 1935 and 1950.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (sight); Landscape format; deckled edge paper visible.
Subject Description
A somber composition featuring three men in profile, likely in a waiting room or public space. The central figure wears a fedora, while the figure in the foreground is supported by wooden crutches. The imagery reflects themes of urban struggle, labor, and the human condition following the Great Depression.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible mat burn/toning around the perimeter where the paper meets the mat and slight undulation in the paper support.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 144/150 in pencil lower left; likely acquired through a fine art print club or gallery specializing in American Modernism.
Art Historical Significance
Raphael Soyer is a pivotal figure in the Social Realist movement, known for his empathetic portrayals of the New York working class; this print is representative of his observational style and focus on the psychological weight of everyday life.
Notable Features
Hand-signed signature 'Raphael Soyer' in pencil; limited edition numbering 144/150; characteristic deckled edge on the right side of the sheet.
Condition Issues
Light toning (yellowing) of the paper consistent with age; possible acid migration from original housing materials; minor foxing or surface soil may be present under the glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional reframing using archival acid-free matting and UV-protective museum glass is recommended to prevent further discoloration and light damage.