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M.C. Escher. The Graphic Work

20
Availability: In Stock
From impossible staircases to tessellated birds, explore the graphic genius of M.C. Escher, master of quirky vantage points, mathematical puzzles, and the transition from paper flatness to illusory volume. This essential introduction presents key Escher works, exploring the evolution of a unique pictorial style that has captivated scientists and hippies alike.
Hardcover8.3 x 10.2 in.1.34 lb96 pages
M.C. Escher. The Graphic Work

M.C. Escher. The Graphic Work

20

Twisted Mind

The graphic pattern genius of M.C. Escher

From impossible staircases to tessellated birds, Dutch artist M.C. Escher (1898–1972) crafted a unique graphic language of patterns, puzzles, and mathematics. Dense, complex, and structured by intricate principles, his work is at the same time decorative and playful, toying constantly with optic illusions and the limitations of sensory perception. For mathematicians and scientists, Escher is a mastermind. For hippies, he was the pioneer of psychedelic art.

Born in Leeuwarden, in the Netherlands in 1898, Escher’s early works focused on nature and landscapes, with regular exhibitions in Holland, and some international recognition. It was on a trip to the Alhambra Palace in Spain in the 1920s, however, that Escher found his niche. Sketching the patterns of the palace’s Moorish architecture, Escher became captivated by the codependency of forms within and next to each other.

Working mainly with lithographs and woodcuts, Escher went on to explore the relationships among shapes, figures, and space with a near-obsessive delight. He reveled in quirky vantage points, multiple perspectives, the transition from paper flatness to illusory volume, and intricate mathematical puzzles such as the Möbius strip, a seemingly infinite loop which twists and recoils on itself in a contortion of apparent physical impossibility.

This introductory book taps into Escher’s brilliant mind with key works from his restless investigation of image and perception. Along the way, you’ll find fish morphing into birds, lizards crawling off the page, masterful reflections, infinite mazes, and some of the most mind-bending images of 20th-century art.
M.C. Escher. The Graphic Work
Hardcover21 x 26 cm0.61 kg96 pages

ISBN 978-3-8365-2971-6

Edition: French

ISBN 978-3-8365-2984-6

Edition: English

ISBN 978-3-8365-6084-9

Edition: Spanish
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Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Art series features:
• a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance
• a concise biography
• approximately 100 illustrations with explanatory captions

5

/5

6 Ratings

Lots of art for a small price

Rey,February 7, 2022
I love Escher's work. I'm not familiar with every single piece of art he made, but it looks like it's pretty much complete!

Amazing labyrinths

Zoltán,November 3, 2021
Incredible images. They are absolutely to be seen. As long as we don't get lost.

Escher's Life and Ideas are told Simply, but Informatively

Nessa,October 29, 2021
Escher is an artist I didn't know a huge amount about before reading this book, and is an artist I feel I know a huge amount about now I have finished reading this book! Taschen tells his story and informs us of his ideas in a simple, but informative way. The Basic Art Series books are perfect for anyone who enjoys learning about different artists but doesn't want the heavy reading that a lot of art books are, I couldn't recommend them more!

Great acquisition for my library

Carlos H.,October 28, 2021
The way M.C. Escher combines mathematical thinking, geometry and art is mind-boggling.

For young artist especially

Jasun,October 27, 2021
I love this series for its wonderful pictures but also the low price point makes it easy to buy a stack of them to encourage children to explore and develop their artistic side.