By the River 1957 - 1961

Anatoli Kaplan, born in Belarus in 1902, made this lithograph, "By the River", during a period of immense social and political upheaval in Russia. Kaplan, as a Jewish artist living through the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Soviet era, navigated a complex terrain of cultural identity and political expression. His work is deeply rooted in his personal experiences, beliefs, and his cultural heritage. "By the River" captures the intimate relationship between people and their environment. The image suggests themes of community, belonging, and the simple rhythms of rural life. Kaplan’s decision to focus on such quotidian scenes can be seen as both a celebration of the enduring human spirit and a subtle form of resistance against the sweeping changes imposed by the Soviet regime. This work invites us to reflect on the ways in which individuals and communities maintain their identities and traditions amidst larger historical forces.