1960's Original Artist's Proof Lithograph by Walter Spitzer

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1960's Original Artist's Proof Lithograph of a Pastoral Scene by Artist Walter Spitzer

A momentous piece with incredible history, this … Read more 1960's Original Artist's Proof Lithograph of a Pastoral Scene by Artist Walter Spitzer

A momentous piece with incredible history, this work is a beautiful pastoral scene illustrating two men working in the fields. Spitzer is best known for his dedication to depicting everyday Jewish people as a way to "give them back their life" after the atrocities of the Holocaust. The vibrant palette in this piece conveys a sense of renewal and hope and is complemented by the gorgeous custom gilt frame with intricate hand-carved details. There is a nice cream linen mat on the interior, with an additional gilt border framing the piece. Overall excellent vintage condition. An essential piece for Judaica collectors, or really any art enthusiast!

25.375" h x 21.625" w

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About the artist:
Walter Spitzer (1927-2021)- was a Polish-born French artist and Holocaust survivor. When he was only 16, he was separated from his family and sent to a concentration camp, specifically a sub-camp of Auschwitz. While he was there, he began painting portraits of the soldiers and his fellow inmates in exchange for food. He was then sent on a death march to a 2nd concentration camp where he nearly died. It was intended that he then be sent to a 3rd camp, but the head of his barracks, who was a communist political prisoner, told Walter he would help him escape if he would promise to continue to draw and tell the stories of the people in the camps. Walter, of course, agreed, and then made his escape and was eventually rescued by American troops. He then went on to serve as an interpreter with the American Army while simultaneously creating countless drawings depicting life in the concentration camps, making sure to fulfill his promise.

He eventually went on to officially study art in Paris. After his training, he became a prolific painter & lithographer, known for depicting the atrocities of the Holocaust and other war crimes. Over time, he shifted his focus to biblical themes and scenes of everyday Jewish life. See less