Eva Fischer’s life unfolded like a novel marked by resilience, artistic passion, and an unwavering commitment to memory. Born in 1920 in Daruvar, in what is now Croatia, she grew up in a household steeped in tradition—her father was the Chief Rabbi and a respected Talmudist. Even as a young woman, Fischer’s talent was evident, earning her a place at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, France.

But the world around her darkened with the onset of World War II. The Nazi invasion shattered her family: her father and more than thirty relatives were deported, with only a handful surviving the camps. Fischer herself narrowly escaped the same fate, enduring internment in an Italian-run camp on the island of Korčula, then hiding in Bologna under a false name with the help of the Italian Resistance.

After the war, Rome became her sanctuary and her canvas. Amid the lively artistic circles of Via Margutta, Fischer forged friendships with luminaries like Renato Guttuso, Giorgio de Chirico, and Marc Chagall. Picasso himself, after meeting her at a gathering, encouraged her to pursue her unique vision. Her journey led her through the creative quarters of Paris and the galleries of London and Madrid, each city adding new colors to her palette.

Fischer’s significance as an artist lies in her ability to transform personal and collective trauma into visual poetry. Her paintings and engravings—often featuring solitary figures, bustling markets, and Mediterranean landscapes—bear the weight of history while radiating empathy and hope. She brought a distinctly Mediterranean warmth and Italian spirit to her art, yet her work stands apart for its deep social consciousness and emotional resonance.

One of her unique contributions was her work on stained glass windows for the Jewish Museum of Rome, a commission she received after Marc Chagall, citing his age, recommended her for the project. This gesture symbolized the passing of a creative torch and affirmed Fischer’s place among the great artists of her generation.

In 2008, Italy honored her with the title of Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica, recognizing a lifetime that bridged cultures, survived catastrophe, and left a legacy of art that speaks to the endurance of the human spirit. Eva Fischer’s story is not only one of survival, but of transforming memory into enduring beauty.

You can find Eva Fischer’s work in several places, both physically and online:

Official Website: Eva Fischer’s official site showcases her paintings, etchings, drawings, and stained glass projects, including her well-known stained glass windows for the Jewish Museum of Rome.

Art Galleries and Auction Sites: Her works, including original lithographs like "La Bicicletta," are available through reputable art dealers and auction platforms such as Art of the Print, Invaluable, and MutualArt. These sites provide information on available works, past auction results, and upcoming sales.

Jewish Museum of Rome: Fischer’s stained glass windows can be seen at the Jewish Museum of Rome, a significant public installation commissioned after Marc Chagall recommended her for the project.

Exhibitions: Throughout her life, Fischer exhibited in major cities including Rome, Paris, London, and Madrid. While specific current exhibitions are not listed in the search results, auction and art news platforms like MutualArt and Invaluable often announce upcoming shows and sales featuring her work.

Her art is also part of private collections, and some pieces have notable provenance, having been collected by figures such as Vincent Price, Humphrey Bogart, Henry Fonda, and Lauren Bacall. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date access to her work, the official website and major art auction sites are recommended starting points