Aronskelk (Calla Lily) - Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita
Archival giclée
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Description
A 1923 lithograph by Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, capturing the sculptural form of a calla lily through stark tonal contrasts.
Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, a Dutch graphic artist, produced this lithograph in 1923. The work depicts an aronskelk, or calla lily, reduced to its essential geometric components. De Mesquita was known for his technical precision in printmaking, particularly in woodcuts and lithography, where he often explored the tension between natural forms and abstract composition.
In this print, the artist focuses on the sculptural quality of the flower. The large, sweeping curve of the spathe dominates the frame, creating a stark contrast against the dark, textured background. By stripping away extraneous detail, de Mesquita directs the viewer to the interplay of light and shadow across the organic surface of the plant. The composition relies on the balance of negative space and the density of the lithographic ink, which provides a soft, granular texture throughout the darker areas of the image.
De Mesquita taught at the School of Applied Arts in Haarlem and exerted a significant influence on his students, most notably M.C. Escher. His approach to printmaking was methodical, often favouring a restrained palette and a focus on the structural integrity of his subjects. This piece reflects his interest in the decorative potential of natural forms, a theme that appeared frequently in his output during the early twentieth century. The work remains a clear example of his ability to transform a common botanical subject into a study of form and tone, moving away from traditional representational styles toward a more modern, simplified aesthetic. The signature in the upper right corner confirms the artist's hand, placing this work within his mature period of production.
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Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Aronskelk (Calla Lily) - Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita
Artist Biography
Samuel Jessurun De Mesquita
He was born in Amsterdam in 1868, of Portuguese Sephardic Jewish origin. He trained there and was appointed teacher at the School of Architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem in 1902, where he remained until 1926. Escher was his most famous student; it was De Mesquita who convinced the young Escher to abandon architecture for graphic arts, a decision that changed twentieth-century visual culture.
De Mesquita produced over four hundred prints, including woodcuts, wood engravings, etchings and lithographs, plus drawings and textile designs. His animal and bird woodcuts, with their stark black-and-white stylisation influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e, are among his most distinctive work. He was not religiously observant despite his Sephardic community background. His wife Elisabeth was gassed alongside him at Auschwitz; their son Jaap perished at Theresienstadt a month later. He died at Auschwitz, around 11 February 1944, at seventy-five.
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