Gestileerd bloemmotief c. 1905

This stylized flower motif was made by Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, using pen and ink. The stark black lines on a white background create a striking visual impact. Mesquita’s confident use of ink shows great mastery of the medium. Look closely, and you'll notice the precision in each stroke, the careful control required to achieve the consistent width of the lines, and the evenness of the filled-in areas. Mesquita, active in the early 20th century, was deeply involved in the graphic arts, producing woodcuts, lithographs, and drawings. This piece reflects the influence of the Art Deco movement, which valued clean lines, symmetry, and stylized natural forms. The printmaking traditions demanded a high degree of skill, and the ability to translate a design into a repeatable image, suggesting a connection to commercial production. Ultimately, understanding Mesquita's work requires us to appreciate not only the final image, but also the labor, skill, and historical context embedded within its creation.