In 1901, the eight-year-old German-Jewish artist Fritz Ascher (Berlin, 1893-1970) drew mother and son negotiating the purchase of a Christmas tree. This is the first known artwork by the artist, which he sketched in graphite and then executed in ink on paper.
![168_rectoof167_FritzAscher_Christmas_1901(1891?)_Graphiteandblackinkonpaper_13.8×10.4in_35x26.5cm_PrivatecollectionPW1935r_PhotoMalcolmVaronNewYork168 copy](https://fritzaschersociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/168_rectoof167_FritzAscher_Christmas_19011891_Graphiteandblackinkonpaper_13.8x10.4in_35x26.5cm_PrivatecollectionPW1935r_PhotoMalcolmVaronNewYork168-copy.jpg)
Fritz Ascher, Winter Scene, 1901. Graphite and black ink on paper, 13.8 x 10.4 inches. Copyright Bianca Stock
Find out more about Fritz Ascher in our short biographical film:
Some years later, around 1913, Fritz Ascher draws a conductor on the verso of that same sheet of paper. The caricature shows Ascher’s tenderness and admiration: music, especially Beethoven’s music, accompanied him wherever it could.
Fritz Ascher, Conductor, c. 1913. Graphite on paper, 13.8 x 10.4 inches. Copyright Bianca Stock
Leonard Bernstein was the most influential conductor of the 20th century, so I am reminded of the last letter that networker and music patron Emmy Rubensohn wrote to Leonard Bernstein on March 15, 1961:
“Dearest Maestro, Your great words on the Mitropoulos Memorial Concert were:
Blessed, who dies in the music of Mahlers III. Symphony. That [was] my deepest impression, before I myself had to fight a heart attack some hours later at home. But I won the battle, and have to rest for some time in this excellent hospital, one bloc from you and Carnegie Hall. I am unhappy, not to be with you at the rehearsals. And deeply unhappy not to be with you and Alma, when you play the Mahlers III. I hope also, Alma will come with somebody else – the first time in our friendship.
All my best wishes are with you, dearest Maestro,
In admiration Yours Emmy Rubensohn.”
She died on 31 March 1961 – “Blessed, who dies in the music of Mahler’s III”, blessed too are those who can honour others.”
![2022 copy](https://fritzaschersociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2022-copy.jpg)
As 2023 is coming to a close, please consider supporting FAS’ mission to discover and commemorate artists who were persecuted by the German Nazi regime by responding to our end-of-year fundraising appeal.
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES OUR WORK POSSIBLE.
The Fritz Ascher Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is fully tax deductible. THANK YOU.
Season’s Greetings,
In gratitude,
Rachel Stern
Executive Director