In Boiberik 1957 - 1961

Anatoli Kaplan created this lithograph depicting a scene in "Boiberik" – likely a fictional or idealized Jewish village – sometime in the mid-20th century. The image presents a tableau of village life, with figures in traditional attire populating a rustic landscape. Kaplan, who lived and worked in the Soviet Union, often focused on Jewish themes and folklore, subtly preserving cultural heritage within a restrictive political environment. The lithographic technique gives the image a grainy texture, reminiscent of historical documents. This may evoke a sense of nostalgia or serve as a commentary on the fading traditions of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. The presence of both traditional and more contemporary figures suggests a society in transition, a theme Kaplan explored throughout his career. To fully understand this work, research into the history of Jewish communities in the Soviet Union and the cultural policies of the time is essential. Kaplan's art reminds us that meaning is always shaped by the social and institutional context in which it is created and received.