Interior 1957 - 1961

Anatoli Lvovich Kaplan, born in Belarus in 1902, created "Interior" using lithography techniques. Kaplan lived through periods of immense cultural and political upheaval. His Jewish identity shaped much of his artistic output. The print depicts a domestic interior, a room centered around a samovar. The very choice of an interior scene invites us to consider themes of domesticity and privacy. The objects within the scene seem to be witnesses to generations. The mirror reflects not just light but also, perhaps, the gazes and stories of those who have occupied the space. The portraits on the wall hint at family history and personal narratives. The image may reflect a sense of longing for a lost world, or an attempt to preserve the memory of a community facing displacement and persecution. Kaplan's work often draws upon Jewish folklore and traditions, reflecting an interest in preserving cultural memory. This print invites reflection on how we construct our identities through the spaces we inhabit and the objects we cherish.