The Art and Illusions of M. C. Escher

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Escher, M(aurits) C(ornelis) (1898-1972) was a Dutch graphic artist, who is most recognized for spatial illusions, impossible buildings, repeating geometric patterns (tessellations), and his incredible techniques in woodcutting and lithography. He is noted for his distinctive prints depicting intricate interlocking patterns and optical illusions. Escher's early work consists mainly of landscapes and townscapes, but beginning about 1936 his work became increasingly concerned with scenes of his own creation, especially with the repeating patterns and spatial illusions for which he is best known.

From about 1940 his work became more fantastic in its spatial effects. Escher's first images in this realm took the form of elaborate patterns in which repeated figures of stylized animals, birds, or fish densely interlock, leaving no spaces between the figures.

In his images of bizarre buildings, Escher ingeniously toyed with the viewer's perceptions, creating such optical illusions as staircases that appear to lead both upward and downward in the same direction. He also explored the perceptual conflict created by a surface that appears to be both flat and three-dimensional. In the lithograph Reptiles (1943), for example, parts of a stylized pattern of interlocking alligators seem to come to life, walking off the edge of the paper.

Although Escher had no formal training in mathematics or sciences, he has had an especially strong appeal to mathematicians, crystallographers, and to psychologists interested in visual perception. He was a humble man who considered himself neither an artist or mathematician.

In Escher's work what you see the first time is most certainly not all there is to see. Intricate repeating patterns, mathematically complex structures, spatial perspectives all require a "second look".

Biography

Maurits Cornelis Escher was born in Leeuwarden, 17 June 1898, and died March 1972. He received his first instruction in drawing at the secondary school in Arnhem, by F.W. van der Haagen, who helped him to develop his graphic aptitude by teaching in the technique of the linoleum cut.

From 1919 to 1922 he studied at the School of Architecture and Ornamental Design in Haarlem, where he became highly skilled in the technique of woodcut. He was instructed in the graphic techniques by S. Jessurun de Mesquita, whose strong personality greatly influenced Escher's further development as a graphic artist.

In 1922 he went to Italy and 1924 settled in Rome. During his 10 year stay in Italy he made many study-tours, visiting Abruzzia, the Amalfi coast, Calabria, Sicily, Corsica and Spain.

In 1934 he went to Switzerland for two years, and then spent five years in Brussels before settling in Baarn (Holland) in 1941, where he died on March 27, 1972, at the age of 73 years. His work continues to fascinate both young and old across a broad spectrum of interests.

Escher Posters

Eye M.C. Escher Buy This Art Print At AllPosters.com

Relativity M.C. Escher Buy This Art Print At AllPosters.com

Hand with Globe M.C. Escher Buy This Art Print At AllPosters.com

Waterfall M.C. Escher Buy This Art Print At AllPosters.com

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