M.C Escher (1898 - 1972)

Brief Biography

M.C. Escher (1898–1972) was a Dutch draftsman and printmaker known for his mind-bending art, including impossible constructions—visual architectural enigmas—and tessellations (geometrical patterns that perfectly tile a plane without gaps or overlaps). Although not formally trained in mathematics, Escher’s work often incorporated intricate geometric designs, and he collaborated with mathematicians to integrate their concepts into his art.

Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. https://mcescher.com

Escher’s works challenge conventional notions of space, perspective, and orientation, leaving viewers questioning reality. One famous example of his collaboration is the Penrose Stairs, an impossible staircase co-created with mathematician Roger Penrose, as well as the Penrose ****Triangle.

In his tessellations, Escher replaced traditional geometric shapes with animals and creatures, creating symmetrical patterns through rotation and translation. His fascination with mathematical ideas also extended to the exploration of infinity.

Techniques

Escher mastered three primary printmaking techniques:

• Woodcuts: Relief printing where the design is carved into a wooden block.
• Lithography: A process using a flat stone or metal plate. The design is drawn with oil or ink, then chemically treated to fix the image. When ink is applied, it adheres only to the design, allowing for multiple prints.
• Mezzotint: A monochromatic technique that uses a roughed metal plate to create images with deep black tones and soft gradients. The smoother areas of the plate print lighter, creating a range of shades.

Though his work gained popularity among the 1960s counterculture, which viewed it as psychedelic, Escher distanced himself from such interpretations and turned down offers to feature his art on music albums.

Artwork

Escher’s father, one of the Escher’s earliest works - 1916. A lot of his early work was produced by cutting or carving linoleum.

Wild West - woodcut - 1920.

The Sphere - woodcut - 1921. Interestingly enough, this is a lesser known work in which we can see Escher working on his prints. Later he would create another one, much more recognized, where he’s holding a sphere in his hand.

Tower of Babel - woodcut - 1928.

Hell - copy after Hieronymus Bosch - lithograph - 1935.

Hand With Reflecting Sphere - lithograph - 1935.

Day & Night - woodcut - 1938, produced during Escher traveling around Switzerland and Belgium.

Relativity - woodcut - 1953. One of Escher’s most recognizable works created from Roger Penrose’s idea of the impossible staircase.

Plane Filling II - lithograph - 1957. There’s no empty space in this tessellation, the end of one creature is the beginning of another, absolutely brilliant work.

Fish & Scales - woodcut - 1959. The fish is flowing into one another creating once again an infinity loop at various scale.

Snakes - woodcut - 1969. This is rotational symmetry, printed from three blocks. Escher’s last work.