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Dr. Maurits Benjamin Mendes da Costa
Teacher of Greek and Latin to Vincent van Gogh

In 1877 while living with his Uncle Jan, another uncle, Johannes Stricker, arranges for Vincent to be taught Greek and Latin by Dr. Mendes da Costa. Vincent's studies, in anticipation of his entering the clergy, were difficult but enjoyable for him. Vincent and da Costa had a good relationship and they were soon on a first name basis. Da Costa found Vincent's character and intellect intriguing and they enjoyed their studies together in Amsterdam's Jewish quarter. Despite his best efforts, however, Vincent would ultimately have to give up his studies and leave Amsterdam.

Source: The Vincent van Gogh Information Gallery

Letters from Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo which contain references to Dr Mendes da Costa

Amsterdam, 18 August 1877: "I have written a composition in which all the parables are arranged in proper order, and the miracles, etc. I am doing the same in English and French, and expect to be able to write it later in Latin and Greek too. In the daytime I have to prepare for Mendes, and so I am doing it late in the evening, or for instance as today, deep in the night or early in the morning. . . . This morning I had a talk with Mendes about M. Maris, and showed him that lithograph of those three children, and also "A Baptism," and he understood them very well. Mendes reminds me now and then of the "Imitation of Jesus Christ," by Ruyperez."

Amsterdam, 7 September 1877: "We have been to the Trippenhuis twice, and he went alone to Van der Hoop's; he was also at Uncle Cor's gallery (but Uncle was out of town) and went with me to Mendes's."

Amsterdam, 18 September 1877: "This week Mendes is out of town, spending a few days with the Rev. Schröder at Zwolle, a former pupil of his."

Amsterdam, 30 October 1877: "I keep my work together, to help me to pass the examinations; I consult Mendes in everything and arrange my studies according to what he has done, for I should like to do it in the same way. . . . the study of Latin and Greek is arduous; nevertheless, it still makes me happy, I have finally dived into studies of which I have always dreamt. . . . I went to Uncle Stricker's and had a long talk with him and Aunt, for Mendes had been to see them a few days ago (one must not talk too lightly about genius, even though one believes there is more of it in the world than many suppose, but Mendes certainly is a very remarkable person, and I am and will remain grateful for my contact with him). I am glad to say he did not make an unfavourable report about me, but Uncle asked me if I did not find it very difficult, and I acknowledged that I did indeed, and that I tried my best, in every possible way, to remain strong and keep myself alert in all possible ways. He told me not to lose heart."

Amsterdam, 19 November 1877: "I have been looking for an algebra and mathematics teacher; I have found one, the cousin of Mendes, Teixeira de Mattos, who teaches religion at the Jewish pauper school. . . . At last I succeeded in making a map of Asia Minor, Greece and Italy, rather a large one (on which the travels of Paul are also indicated) and one of England which finally has the quality I wanted - Mendes, for one, sees it - namely that it has been made with feeling and love. The names I put on it came from a map in the Atlas Antiquus by Sprüner Menke, which Mendes has; it is one used for history."

Amsterdam, 25 November 1877: "I had to draw for Mendes a map of ancient Italy, or rather two, for I drew also one of middle Italy, just about from Rome to Naples. . . . There are a great many nice people in the book business; Uncle Cor, Mr. Braat, Schröder here (that is where Mendes gets his books, and I, too, sometimes)."

Amsterdam, 4 December 1877: "So another year has almost passed by, in which many things have happened to me; I look back on it with thankfulness. When I think over the time I spent at Braat's and the months of study here, upon the whole they have really been two good things. Boy, if next Christmas I might be at the university and had overcome the difficulties at the start, as I am now over the beginnings of Latin and Greek, how happy I should be. "Indefessus favente Deo" [unwearied by God's favour] is a good state to be in; it is a saying that Mendes loves. He spoke to me about it last Saturday. . . . Today I sent you for your St. Nicholas two maps . . . I copied them both carefully. . . . In order to do this I went earlier than usual to Mendes's for a few mornings. . . . Along with the maps you will receive Gruson's Histoire des Croisades. I gave this same little book to Mendes, who was glad to have it."

Amsterdam, 10 February 1878: "Father has been here, and I am so glad he came. Together we went to see Mendes."

Source: The Vincent van Gogh Information Gallery

Dr. Jacob Mendes da Costa
Notable Alumni, Jefferson Medical College

Jacob Mendes da Costa (1833-1900). JMC Class of 1852.

Jacob Mendes da Costa's research, writings, and teaching were influential in the development of internal medicine as a specialty. However, his greatest contribution to American medicine lay in his clinical instruction at various Philadelphia institutions. Born 7 February 1833 on the Island of St. Thomas in the West Indies, Jacob Mendes da Costa received his early education in Dresden, Germany, before coming to Jefferson Medical College. A graduate of the class of 1852, Da Costa received postgraduate education in Europe - mainly Paris but also Vienna.

Upon his return from Europe, Da Costa began his practice in Philadelphia and his private teaching at the Moyamensing Dispensary (1853-1861). During the Civil War, Da Costa served as assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army and at Turner's Lane Hospital, Philadelphia. Here, he undertook research on "irritable heart" (neurocirculatory asthenia) in soldiers, research that was of landmark importance in clinical medicine. After the Civil War, Da Costa continued his teaching at the Pennsylvania Hospital (1865-1900). He began at Jefferson Medical College as a lecturer on clinical medicine (1866-1872), then professor of theory and practice of medicine (1872-1891), and finally professor emeritus (1891-1900). While Da Costa retired in 1891, he continued his medical efforts as a consultant and supporter for medical education reform and served as a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania in 1899.

Of Da Costa's writings, his most well known include his "Clinical lecture on spurious or "phantom" tumors of the abdomen," Philadelphia Medical Times (1871) and his monograph Medical Diagnosis (1864). Medical Diagnosis went through nine editions during his lifetime and served as the first complete guide of its kind.

Jacob Mendes Da Costa died in Villanova, Pennsylvania on 11 September 1900.

Source: Thomas Jefferson University

Dr. Joseph Mendes da Costa
Famous Dutch Artist/Sculptor

Joseph Mendes da Costa (Amsterdam 1863-1939) was well known as an artist, and was a versatile sculptor and ceramist. He studied at the School of Applied Arts, and specialised in impressionistic groups of figures, mainly in scenes taken from the everyday life of the Amsterdam Jews, but including Biblical figures, and animals. His figures gradually became leaner and more stylised in form, and his work shows a strong symbolic tendency. He also designed architectural sculpted work, including for Berlage's buildings (e.g. the Commodity Exchange in Amsterdam). Joseph made the small figure of a kneeling woman ("The blessing of the light") pictured above, in wood and plaster, in 1916.

Source: Drents Museum, Netherlands

Dr. Joseph / Jozeph / Jozef Mendes da Costa
Artist, sculptor, ceramic artist. One of the very best (or maybe even *the best*) of the Dutch ceramic artists that worked around 1900. His ceramic symbolic figurative work is meticulously sculpted. His early work is in earthenware, his later work is made of stoneware with salt glaze. Worked - among others - with Lambertus Zijl. Mark:

Source: Patricia Jansma

Regarding his sculptures on the Stock Exchange building, Damrak 28-30, Amsterdam, Frommer's Walking Tours observes: "Look up at the office building and you'll see 4 baboons and 22 owls peering down at you. These sculptures on the facade are by Joseph Mendes da Costa . . . who was noted for his small sculptures of animals. He was even given an honorary degree in biology by the University of Groningen." To view a photo of the building, click here.

Regarding his work with other artists, the following caption appears underneath a self-portrait of artist Joseph Texeira de Mattos: "Joseph Texeira de Mattos stems from a family of artists. He studied with S. Jessurun de Mesquita and J. Mendes da Costa, both famous Dutch artists. In 1938 he moved from Amsterdam to Paris, where he spent the rest of his life."

Judenrat - Jewish Council

On 11 April 1941 the Nazis appointed a Judenrat - Jewish council for the city of Amsterdam, where the majority of the Dutch Jews lived. The council was held responsible for the systematic liquidation of ghetto Amsterdam. The council counted two chairpersons, Mr. Abraham Asscher and Prof. dr. David Cohen. In addition to their appointment as chairpersons on the council, Asscher and Cohen were also accountable to the German authorities for the launching of Het Joodse Weekblad - The Jewish Weekly. This newspaper appeared on a weekly basis with the approval of the German authorities until the "Jewish question" for the Netherlands was resolved. The last issue of the Jewish Weekly is dated 28 September 1943. After that date there no longer was a need for a Jewish newspaper. The Jewish Weekly relates in detail the death of the Jewish community in the Netherlands and allows the reader to observe the systematic and consequential method by which the Nazis carried out their heinous crime against the Dutch Jews. The following men completed the council: J. Arons, judge N. de Beneditty, A. van den Bergh, judge Alb. B. Gomperts, I. de Haan, A. de Hoop, judge M.L. Kan, judge I. Kisch, A. Krouwer, judge S.J. van Lier, A.J. Mendes da Costa, Prof. dr. J.L. Palacha, judge dr. M.L. Prins, Chief Rabbi L.H. Sarlouis, dr. D.M. Sluys, A Soep Bzn., Is. Voet and dr.LH.J. Vos.

Source: The Judenrat for ghetto Amsterdam in the Netherlands during World War II

Romeijn de Hooghe and the Portuguese Jews in Amsterdam

On 2 August 1675, the new Portuguese synagogue was formally consecrated. Romeijn de Hooghe, an artist already famous in his own time, made a well-known print of this ceremony, showing the Torah scrolls being carried in. The top of this print is decorated with an allegorical scene showing the Dutch Republic and the City of Amsterdam granting Judah freedom of conscience. Medallions down the sides of the print give the names of the Parnassim, or synagogue directors, and the members of the finance committee and the building committee. There is a copy of this etching printed on silk, in the Jewish Historical Museum; it was originally in the possession of the >Mendes da Costa family. According to tradition, these silk prints would have been presented to the functionaries whose names appear on them.

Source: Bibliotheca Rosenthalia - Treasures of Jewish Booklore

Sephardic Burials at Jodengang Cemetery in Middelburg 1656-1727.

Abraham Mendez da Costa: between 08-06- and 06-07-1690.

Source: Netherlands Society for Jewish Genealogy

The Jew in Benjamin Disraeli, The Earl of Beaconsfeld

Disraeli showed his preference for friends in whom he could find something Jewish. One of his greatest lady admirers was Mrs. Sara Brydges Willyams, with whom Disraeli exchanged hundreds of letters. He insisted that she always use her maiden name - Sarah Mendez da Costa, to indicate her descent from noble Sephardic families.

Source: Manfred and Anne Lehmann Foundation

The Crypto-Jews (1643-1655)

"Henrique Jorge Mendes (? Henrique Mendes da Costa) was also a great merchant and connected with a famous banking-house, trading in Lisbon and Antwerp. The family to which he belonged was one of the most prominent among the Sephardim. Mendes returned to Antwerp in 1655."

Source: A History of the Jews in England, by A. M. Hyamson, published 1908, page 174.

The Jewry of the Restoration (1659-1685)

"The marriage of the king with Catherine of Braganza was of benefit to the community in more than one respect. In the train of the queen, whose marriage was suggested by Augustine Coronel, came the brothers Duarte and Francisco da Sylva, Portuguese Jewish bankers of Amsterdam, to whom was entrusted the management of the dowry that Catherine brought with her. The community had thus powerful friends at court. The marriage also led to a considerable increase in the number of Marrano settlers in London. Some of these came to assist the Da Sylvas in their office. Moreover, the period was one of extreme persecution of the Marranos of Spain and Portugal, and many of the victims escaping from their country came to England. It was about this time that the distinguished families of Mendes and Da Costa settled in this country. They intermarried so frequently that the family became known as Mendes da Costa. Fernando Mendes, a distinguished physician, was the first of the family to settle in England."

Source: A History of the Jews in England, by A. M. Hyamson, published 1908, page 217.

The Sephardim (1699-1784)

"The congregation during these years occasionally produced a member whose fame or notoriety spread beyond its narrow limits and attracted attention in spheres other than those of Jewry. Emanuel Mendez da Costa (1717-1791) was known as a scientist, philosopher, and author, in all the cultured circles in London. He was a Fellow and Secretary of the Royal Society and of the Society of Antiquaries, and a member of several other scientific associations, English and foreign. A relative of his, Benjamin Mendez da Costa (1704-1764), was famous for his charity, which knew neither race nor faith. A person of a far different description was the eccentric and miser, Ephraim Lopez Pereira, Baron d'Aguilar (1739-1802), who married a member of the Mendez da Costa family."

"The policy of the congregation, to take no part in State affairs, suffered a change towards the middle of the eighteenth century. The Jewish question was then becoming a matter of practical politics in England, and in 1746 a Committee of Diligence, consisting of Benjamin Mendez da Costa as President, Daniel J. Rodriguez, Jacob Fernandez Nunes, Jacob de Moses Franco, and Jacob Moses Pacheco, was formed, to watch the interests of the Jews of Great Britain and Ireland. The committee was only of a temporary nature and was soon dissolved, but it proved the forerunner of a permanent body, in which both branches of English Jewry were ultimately represented, for the Board of Deputies commenced its career fourteen years later."

Source: A History of the Jews in England, by A. M. Hyamson, published 1908, pages 286-7.

See also The Board of Deputies of British Jews.