Maurits Cornelis Escher
- Born:
- June 17, 1898, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
- Died:
- March 27, 1972, Laren, Netherlands
- Nationality:
- Dutch
- Profession(s):
- Graphic Artist, Printmaker, Illustrator
Early Life and Education
- Born Maurits Cornelis Escher, often referred to as M.C. Escher.
- Struggled academically, excelling primarily in drawing.
- From 1919 to 1922, studied at the Haarlem School of Architecture and Decorative Arts, initially focusing on architecture but later switching to decorative arts under Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early works focused on landscapes and architectural studies, particularly inspired by travels in Italy.
- Developed a unique style characterized by mathematical principles, impossible constructions, explorations of infinity, and tessellations.
- Produced over 448 lithographs, woodcuts, and wood engravings.
- Gained international recognition in later life, particularly among mathematicians and scientists.
Notable Works
- Relativity (1953): A lithograph depicting a world with multiple gravitational sources.
- Drawing Hands (1948): A lithograph showing two hands drawing each other.
- Metamorphosis III (1967-68): A large woodcut print exploring transformations and tessellations.
- Ascending and Descending (1960): A lithograph featuring an impossible staircase.
- Sky and Water I (1938): A woodcut showing fish morphing into birds.
Legacy and Impact
M.C. Escher's art continues to fascinate and inspire. As this short `escher painter biography` details, his work has influenced popular culture, mathematics, and visual perception studies. His intricate designs and exploration of mathematical concepts have made him one of the world's most recognizable graphic artists.