Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita (1868 - 1944)

Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita

Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita was a Dutch graphic artist, born on June 6, 1868, in Amsterdam, into a Sephardic Jewish family. He became well-known for his contributions to graphic art, especially in the years leading up to the Second World War, and was notable for his mentorship of the famed artist M. C. Escher. De Mesquita's work was characterized by a variety of techniques and mediums, including wood engravings, etchings, lithographs, watercolors, and drawings. His art often featured birds, exotic animals, plants, flowers, and fantastical elements, both humorous and grim, showcasing his deep experimentation and mastery over his craft​​.

His career took a significant turn around 1915 when he began to gain prominence within Dutch graphic art, partly due to his teaching positions in the field. De Mesquita's penchant for experimentation led him to explore various materials for his prints, such as marble and zinc, and he often processed his prints with other materials, resulting in unique artworks. His subjects ranged from his immediate surroundings, such as his own home or the Artis zoo in Amsterdam, to more experimental and imaginative works that included quasi-human figures and fantastical landscapes​​.

Unfortunately, de Mesquita's life and career were tragically cut short by the Holocaust. Despite friends urging him to go into hiding, Samuel and his wife believed their Sephardic heritage would protect them. This proved to be a fatal miscalculation, and on January 31, 1944, they were arrested by the Nazis and subsequently died in Auschwitz. Their son Jaap died in Theresienstadt in March of the same year. M.C. Escher, a former pupil and friend, managed to save some of de Mesquita's works after his death, preserving his legacy for future generations​​.

Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita's body of work is a testament to his skill and creativity, with his pieces held in collections like the Kunstmuseum Den Haag and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. His works range from serene and simple depictions of animals and plants to more complex and imaginative 'Sensitivist' drawings that evoked a unique world from the artist's imagination​​​​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, de Mesquita's work offers a unique insight into the rich tradition of Dutch graphic arts and the avant-garde experiments of the early 20th century. His influence, particularly on M.C. Escher, highlights his importance in the development of graphic arts. Sign up for updates related to Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita to stay informed about new product sales and auction events showcasing his remarkable works.