Lezen (Liggend naakt, een boek lezend) - Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita

A striking woodcut by Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, featuring a reclining nude figure reading, defined by bold lines and a rhythmic, decorative background.

Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, a Dutch graphic artist, produced this woodcut during the early twentieth century. The work displays his mastery of the medium, characterised by a stark contrast between the unprinted paper and the deep black ink. The composition features a reclining nude figure, positioned in a relaxed pose while reading a book. The figure rests upon a surface that is decorated with a repetitive, stylised pattern, which echoes the decorative sensibilities of the Art Nouveau period.

De Mesquita utilised a precise, controlled line to define the form of the woman, avoiding unnecessary detail in favour of a clean, graphic silhouette. The background is filled with a rhythmic, heart-shaped motif that provides a sense of enclosure and decorative unity to the scene. This choice of pattern creates a flat, ornamental quality that pushes the figure to the front of the picture plane. The book itself is rendered with small, stippled marks, suggesting text without literal representation, which adds a textural element to the otherwise smooth surfaces of the figure and the couch.

As a teacher and mentor to M.C. Escher, De Mesquita possessed a keen understanding of geometry and pattern. This woodcut demonstrates his ability to balance the organic curves of the human body with the rigid, repeating structures of the background. The work avoids excessive ornamentation, focusing instead on the interplay of light and dark areas. It is a clear example of the graphic traditions prevalent in the Netherlands during this era, where printmaking was a primary vehicle for artistic expression. The print remains a study in composition, showing how simple shapes and bold contrasts can create a balanced, visual narrative.