Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) is internationally appreciated for his graphic art today. He is best known for his woodcuts, mezzotints, and lithographs, featuring mathematical and “impossible” objects, in which he explored symmetry, perspective, infinity, and reflection. Born as the youngest son of a civil engineer, he was a sickly child and had poor grades at school failing second grade. However, he excelled in drawingDrawing is a foundational art form that involves creating images on a surface, typically paper, using tools such as pencils, pens, and charcoal. It is a versatile medium that allows artists to express ideas, emotions, and stories through lines, shapes, and shading. Historical Background • Prehistoric Beginnings: The earliest known drawings date back to prehistoric times, with cave drawings found and had a strong sense of observing nature. Early in his career, he drew inspiration from plants and insects.
Travelling to Italy and Spain where he concentrated on sketchingSketching is a fundamental practice in the art world, involving the creation of quick, loose drawings to capture basic shapes, forms, and ideas. It serves as the backbone for more detailed artworks and helps artists refine their concepts. Essential Sketching Supplies • Pencils: Ranging from hard (H) to soft (B) grades, providing a variety of lines and textures. • Paper: architecture and townscapes, his interest in mathematical structures became stronger. Even though he considered himself as a mathematical layman, his work became well known among scientists and mathematicians, and, starting in the 1960s, also in the popular culture. However, despite popular interest, Escher was for a long time neglected in the art world. While his graphic techniques were respected, his work was considered too intellectual, narrative, and insufficiently lyrical, contrasting with the principles of contemporary art movements. A first retrospective exhibition was held in his home country the Netherlands when he was already 70 years old. In the 21st century, his art is being celebrated worldwide.
Read more on Escher:
M.C. Escher-Like Pop Culture: Homages to the Master of Illusions
M.C. Escher Art Work: 19 Fascinating Insights into His Life and Creations
Escher’s Printmaking Secrets: Perfect Your Projects with the Best Lino Print Kit