Maurits Cornelis Escher was a Dutch graphic artist who made woodcuts, lithographs, and mezzotints, many of which were inspired by mathematics. Despite wide popular interest, for most of his life Escher was neglected in the art world, even in his native Netherlands. He was 70 before a retrospective exhibition was held.
I was fascinated by the work of Escher in my early 20s, and once had a framed print of ‘Relativity’ on the wall. His detailed and sometimes surreal ‘puzzle’ work showed an obsession with repeating patterns and staircases. I have also chosen to show his self-portrait in a crystal ball, which I think is amazing.
Both images can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Relativity, 16 X 16 inches originally. Not currently displayed by The National gallery Of Art, Washington DC, USA.
Hand With Reflecting Sphere, 12.5 X 8.5 inches originally. On view at The National Gallery Of Art, Washington DC, USA
beetleypete 
This is one of those artists I always worry that if I keep watching one of his works of art for long, I might never be able to come out again. Thanks, Pete.
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I used to look at my print of the top photo and after a while, I could swear that some of the people in it were moving!
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’ve long been fascinated by Escher’s work! Thanks for sharing these, Pete!
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Pleased to hear that, Jill.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, I vaguely remember the staircases, but the Hand With Reflecting Sphere is extraordinary. Thank you!
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Glad you liked it, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Very much so. Best to you, Pete.
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My favorite Escher work is the one where it looks like lizards are coming off the page.
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I presume you mean ‘Reptiles’, Pete? This one.
https://artsy-inspirations.blogspot.com/2012/07/mc-escher-genius.html
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes, I must have gotten mixed up. I used to do a unit on tessellations with my 6th graders. One of the examples I showed involved lizards. Eventually, the kids did their own tessellations. I wish I had an iPhone in those days because some of them were amazing.
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I love the hand with the sphere. The first image just makes me dizzy.
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I can see why it might make you dizzy, perhaps that was intended by the artist?
Best wishes, Pete.
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That could very well be!
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I have been an Escher fan for years and I appreciate your post and possibly introducing him to some who are unfamiliar with his work.
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Thanks, Fandango, that was partly my intention.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It is all a matter of perspective. :-) Love his work. Warmest regards, Ed
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Me too. Thanks, Ed.
Best wishes, Pete.
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This is fantastic, Pete! I remember the first drawing and my needless tryings in the college art lessons creating a similar view. 😉 I hope you enjoyed a nice 1st of May, and have to apologize for another delay. Best wishes, Michael
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No problem, Michael. We have had a taste of Summer today, 21C and sunshine!
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m a big fan of M.C. Escher. I even have a couple of refrigerator magnets of his artwork. (I’m told his artwork is cold, so I figured the fridge was an appropriate place to display his talent.)
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I can see that, David. There is something ‘stark’ about many of his concepts.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Hi Pete, fascinating pictures and very detailed.
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It is the details that appeal to me, Robbie. Escher was a unique talent.
Best wishes, Pete.
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He was, amazing
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The crystal ball is like a black and white photograph. I’ve never seen it before. Extraordinary as is the other. I can’t imagine being able to maintain focus that was. He must have been an interesting man.
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I’m sure he was very interesting, and also quite an obsessive perfectionist I suspect.
Best wishes, Pete.
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He went over the top with the meticulous mathematics. Those pictures are like 2D architecture!
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That’s true, but I still love them, Ana.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I was writing in praise of his work. Sorry if that didn’t come through.
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Love Esher. I have painted Esher type work on 3 1/2 by 5 eggs. One needs to create a grid first. It can be done thanks to artist thin tape. Hugs best wishes! Pejj
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Thanks for adding that, Pejj. Always nice to see you.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Wow!
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Glad it was a wow for you, Shaily.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Without hallucinogens observing Escher is an exercise in reflections and juxtapositions, as shown in his self-portrait. With hallucinogens Escher appears to have nailed parallel universes.
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I may have once viewed some of his work under the influence of ‘something’. (Probably Mescaline, I don’t recall) It certainly transports you into the artwork, that’s undeniable!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Wow both fascinating works of art it can often be the case that someone is only really recognised for their art work either later in life or when they have passed the art world can be quite a closed world at times xx
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Yes, because his works were considered to be ‘mathematical’ and too ‘precise’ they were not received well by critics during his lifetime.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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LOVE his stuff
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Happy to hear that, Annette.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Love Escher’s stuff, hadn’t seen the crystal ball before, it’s just amazing.
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That distorted self-portrait has to have been so difficult to get right. Genuine genius, in my opinion.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Love the perspective….chuq
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He had a unique style, always recognisable.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Indeed a very interesting style. chuq
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such an interesting artist
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Glad you think so, Beth.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I could only dream of having that sort of skill, Pete; I love his work. Cheers, Jon.
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Me too, it has fascinated me for decades, Jon.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Both fascinating and remarkable work Thanks Pete:)
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I am happy to hear you found it so, Janet.
Best wishes, Pete.
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