SAMUEL JESSURUN de MESQUITA - Cows

THE ARTWORK

One of the recurring themes in Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita's work was animals, and some of his most interesting works depict cows. One such work is titled simply "Cows (Koeien)" from 1916. This linocut portrays two cows resting rump to rump in a field. The simplicity of the design is striking, with the cows' patterned coats echoing the shapes of the clouds above.

De Mesquita's cows are a testament to his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with a few well-placed lines and shapes.

THE ARTIST

Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, a Dutch graphic artist who thrived in the early 20th century, left his mark on the art world not only through his own creations but also through his influence on a future master. Though initially rejected from the prestigious Rijksakademie, de Mesquita's artistic fire burned bright. He honed his skills in various techniques, becoming particularly adept at wood engravings and etchings. His work, known for its simplicity and geometric forms, often depicted animals encountered at Amsterdam's Artis zoo, portraits, and the beauty of the natural world.

De Mesquita's legacy extends beyond his own art. He was a dedicated art instructor, and one of his students was none other than the world-famous M.C. Escher. De Mesquita's guidance played a crucial role in shaping Escher's artistic foundation. Their paths diverged stylistically later, but their connection remained strong.

Tragically, de Mesquita's life was cut short during World War II. Due to his Sephardic Jewish heritage, he and his family were targeted by the Nazis. He, his wife and son were ultimately deported to Auschwitz concentration camp, where they were murdered. Despite this heartbreaking end, de Mesquita's art and his role in Escher's development continue to inspire.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit