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Terezin, Courtyard

Jo Spier1943

Leo Baeck Institute, Center for Jewish History

Leo Baeck Institute, Center for Jewish History
New York, United States

Perspective drawing of large barracks enclosing a yard, with arched doorway in distance. Clusters of tiny figures scattered along lane. The back of the cardboard mat has an inscription in Dutch: "With feelings of hearty friendship, from Jo Spier, July 14, 1943" and various other signatures. Signed lower left.

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  • Title: Terezin, Courtyard
  • Creator: Spier, Joseph
  • Creator Lifespan: 1900/1978
  • Date Created: 1943
  • Subject: Buildings in art
  • Repository: Leo Baeck Institute at the Center for Jewish History
  • Physical Dimensions: w22.2 x h17.2 cm
  • Artist Biography: Born in Zutphen, The Netherlands, Joseph Adolf Spier was one of the most popular Dutch illustrators. In the 1930s, he worked for the newspaper De Telegraaf, where he depicted daily life with a mild sense of humor. In 1938, he was chosen as one of the ten most popular Dutch people. During WW II, Spier was arrested for drawing a parody of Hitler, and ended up in camp Westerbork, where he painted a mural in the children's hospital. His family was held in Villa Bouchina, the small privileged camp in Doetinchem, where Spier moved to soon as well. Eventually, the whole family was transported to the Theresienstad concentration camp, which they survived. After the war Jo Spier worked for the weekly magazine Elsevier for a while. He also wrote the book 'Dat Alles Heeft Mijn oog Gezien". Because of war trauma, he moved to the United States with his family in 1951. He left his work to the municipal museum of his hometown, Zutphen.
  • Type: Watercolor
  • Rights: This material may be used for personal, research, and educational purposes only. Any other use without prior authorization is prohibited. Please contact LBI librarians at lbaeck@lbi.cjh.org for further information.
  • External Link: LBI Art Collection, Center for Jewish History
  • Medium: Ink and watercolor wash on paper, attached to cardboard mat
Leo Baeck Institute, Center for Jewish History

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