Dr Karel Fleischmann: The story of an artist and physician in Ghetto Terezin

Abstract

Dr Karel Fleischmann (1897-1944) was a Jewish dermatologist and noted Czech artist. During World War II, Fleischmann was confined by the Nazis in Ghetto Terezin (Theresienstadt), which was located in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. While at Terezin, Fleischmann became a leader of the ghetto's health care system and administered programs that helped to dramatically reduce the high mortality rate of the Jewish population from disease. In his spare time, Fleischmann drew works of art that portrayed the daily life and suffering of the Jews in Ghetto Terezin. Although Fleischmann perished in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, his artwork survived the war. This article pays tribute to Dr Karel Fleischmann by telling the story of his life and by citing selections from his art, poetry and prose.

Caricatures in Medicine and Dermatology—An Underutilized Tool

“…We understand that several surgeons noted an important, unknown artery in the caricatures of Leonardo da Vinci. There have also been physicians who published political caricatures 11,12 …”

“…For example, stem cell research was depicted as having a potential positive value, while cloning was given a negative image 9 in that it would lead to the creation of monsters and the propagation of evil. The history of diseases at particular times and places, and the public response thereto, can be viewed through the caricatures published in those circumstances 11,16,18 . Caricatures have been used in medicine as a test or as a tool in clinical assessment in various specialties 15,19 .…”

“…Before the birth of photography in 1840, various drawings, including caricatures, were used to illustrate dermatologic diseases. There have been dermatologists who were both artists and caricaturists 11,21–24 . Caricatures can be promoted as a training method in clinical observation, especially for syndromes with a combination of clinical signs 13 …”

International Journal of Dermatology: a quadrennial mark

“…Michael Meurer's essay on the plight of Jewish physicians and dermatologists during the Germany of the 1930s and 1940s serves as a poignant reminder of the real consequences of intolerance and disregard for the value of all human beings. Details regarding the plight of one such dermatologist from Bohemia were published in the Journal recently 5 . Topics as diverse as genetic disorders and infectious diseases filled out the Symposium.…”

The importance of remembering Karel Fleischmann

“…What can we, now, learn from the life of Karel Fleischmann, recounted succinctly but poignantly, movingly, and dispassionately by Drs Hoenig and Spenser, 1 and what lessons can we derive from the events that transpired and the responses to them during that terrible time? Some of those lessons already have been communicated with great effectiveness by the authors of the piece about Fleischmann.…”