Ontwerp voor een brieventasch 1878 - 1944

Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita created this design for a letter bag using pen and brush in brown and black ink, over a pencil sketch. Born in Amsterdam, De Mesquita occupied a unique position in Dutch art as a Sephardic Jew in a predominantly Christian society. The drawing reveals the blend of traditional craftsmanship and the burgeoning modern design movements of the early 20th century. De Mesquita’s ornamental style, seen in the detailed diamond motif, reflects an interest in decorative arts, yet the functional aspect of the bag aligns with the practical ethos of design schools of the time. To fully appreciate De Mesquita's work, we must consider the social and political upheaval of the time. His tragic death in Auschwitz underscores the vulnerability of Jewish artists in Europe during World War II. Historical archives, personal letters, and institutional records provide deeper insights into De Mesquita's artistic journey. His biography speaks to art's intersection with cultural identity and historical circumstance.