Ornament of Scales

Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita (1868–1944) was a Dutch graphic artist and printmaker celebrated for his striking woodcuts and innovative designs that blended natural motifs with a modernist edge. Born on June 6, 1868, in Amsterdam to Josua Jessurun de Mesquita, a teacher of Hebrew and German, and Judith Mendes da Costa, he grew up in a Sephardic Jewish family with little religious observance. After his father’s death when he was five, de Mesquita pursued art, only to face rejection from the Rijksakademie at age 14. Undeterred, he trained with an architect and later earned a teaching certificate in 1889, eventually joining the School of Architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem. There, he mentored M.C. Escher, profoundly influencing the future graphic icon’s career. De Mesquita’s work—featuring bold depictions of animals, plants, and imaginative “sensitivist” figures—evolved from watercolours to masterful wood engravings, gaining him recognition until World War II disrupted his life.

Frames are optional when you order your art print.

Our standard framing option is a premium moulded boxed frame, handcrafted locally in New Zealand. It features 20mm mouldings and a depth of 30mm, and is available in Natural Oak, Black, or White. Each framed print is backed with MDF and includes hanging fittings. We carefully wrap each framed print in bubble wrap and place it in a protective cardboard box for safe delivery.

Please note that A0 framed prints must be collected from our suppliers in Ponsonby or Takapuna, Auckland. We do not ship framed glass prints either within New Zealand or internationally. For more information, please refer to our FAQs.

We partner with NZ Post and Post Haste for our courier services. We are happy to offer FREE, locally tracked, and insured shipping for deliveries across New Zealand.

For additional details on our shipping and delivery rates, processing times, and delivery time frames, please see our FAQs.

Please note that we do not ship framed prints internationally.

We are happy to offer a straightforward 30-day return and refund policy for our art products, including any damaged items. For detailed information about our Returns and Refunds policy, please visit the FAQs section here.

Please note that we do not provide refunds or accept returns for digital art products.

Got a query or seeking guidance? Our approachable and skilled team at Art & Realism is here to help. Feel free to reach out by phone or email—we’re eager to assist you!

P:  020 496 1555
E:  support@artandrealism.com