Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita
Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita was a Dutch graphic artist active in the years before the Second World War. His pupils included graphic artist M. C. Escher. As a Sephardic Jew, in his old age he was sent to Auschwitz by the Nazis, where he was gassed along with his wife. After the war, de Mesquita was largely forgotten. Time to publish his works in DailyArt.
De Mesquita principally devoted himself to art, experimenting with various techniques and mediums. Though known primarily for his wood engravings, he also produced etchings, lithographs, watercolors, and drawings; his applied art consisted mostly of material designs. They present birds, exotic animals, plants and flowers, and fantastical representations, both humorous and grim. Among de Mesquita's most beautiful works are his portraits, particularly his self-portraits. His work is characterized by its serene simplicity and concentration on the main form.
P.S. If sometimes you feel lost in front of the painting (don't worry, we all sometimes do) check out our free How To Look At Art online course here. It can be quite comforting, especially when it comes to abstract art :)
P.P.S. You can read a moving story of Erna Rosenstein, who was a Holocaust survivor, a communist, and an artist.