Samuel Schwarz was married to Else Berg. He was known as Mommie. He was the son of a successful industrialist.
His wife Else Berg was born in Ratibor in Upper Silesia. Her father owned a cigar factory. She studied painting in various countries.
Samuel Schwarz and Else Berg met around 1910. In 1911 they settled in the Netherlands. In 1916 they moved to the 2de Jan Steenstraat in Amsterdam's Pijp neighbourhood, where they built a few loft studio apartments in their attic. Artists, writers and musicians gathered at this address, which became known as the Jan Steenzolder. The couple became prominent among Amsterdam artists.
In 1927 the couple moved to a home at 42 Sarphatipark in Amsterdam. This address became notorious for all the parties held there.
Samuel Schwarz and Else Berg refused to wear a star or go into hiding. They were caught in Amsterdam on 12 November 1942.
M. van der Valk: “Licht-donker-effect” in Nieuw Israëlietisch Weekblad, 21 november 2003, p. 3
See for further information: J. van Adrichem (et al.), Rebel, mijn hart : kunstenaars 1940-1945 (Zwolle 1995) 173
This person is commemorated on a memorial in Bergen. More information on this memorial can be found (in Dutch) on the website of the Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei.