M.C. Escher(1898-1972) The Art of Tessellations

A Brief History• Escher was born in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.• After failing his high school exams, he enrolled in the

School for Architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem. After a week of architecture he chose to study graphic arts instead.

• He is one of the world's most famous graphic artists. • During his lifetime, made 448 lithographs (prints),

woodcuts and wood engravings and over 2000 drawings and sketches.

• He illustrated books, designed tapestries, postage stamps and murals. His tessellations are what this presentation will focus on.

Drawings & Prints

Hand with Reflecting Sphere 1935 Lithograph

Tower of Babel 1928 woodcut

Drawings & Prints Cont’d

Balcony 1945 Lithograph

Three Spheres II 1946 Lithograph

Drawings & Prints Cont’d

Other World 1947Relativity 1953 Lithograph

Tessellations

Day and Night 1938 woodcut in black and grey, printed from 2 blocks

Sky and Water I 1938 woodcut

Metamorphosis II 1940 woodcut in black, green and brown

Plane-filling Motif with Reptiles 1941 woodcut

Division 1956 woodcut

Well, Are You Inspired Yet?