Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898–1972), Waterfall (1961)
color heliogravure, heavyweight vellum paper, 31 x 23 cm (plate impression), mounted in a passe-partout measuring 47 x 37 cm, hand-numbered in pencil 19/75, plate reference under the composition “M.C. Escher,” publisher’s dry stamp lower left: Arte K surrounded by the words “EDITION LIMITED CERTIFIED ARTS USA EUROPE SINCE 1998.” Accompanied by the publisher’s original certificate, issued and signed by Arte K, confirming the authenticity of the limited edition numbering,
“Waterfall” is one of the most recognizable lithographs by the Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, depicting the paradox of perpetual motion (perpetuum mobile) and a structure based on impossible geometry. The aqueduct cleverly utilizes the so-called Penrose triangle. The water appears to flow downward through a flat, zigzagging channel supported by columns, but ultimately reaches the very top of the tower, from where it falls back onto the mill wheel. Complex geometric solids are placed at the tops of the two towers:
• On the left tower: a compound of three cubes.
• On the right tower: a stellated icosahedron.
Maurits Cornelis Escher, a Dutch artist who became famous for his mathematical and artistic experiments, optical illusions, and his fascination with infinity and paradoxes.
Escher was not a formally trained mathematician, but his works are full of complex geometric structures, such as tessellations, infinite patterns, and impossible objects. As a result, he gained recognition not only in artistic circles but also among scientists and mathematicians. His works are often used to illustrate mathematical concepts such as symmetry, infinity, and geometric transformations.
Escher’s works have permeated popular culture and are used in many contexts, from album covers to movies and books. His paintings have become iconic, and motifs such as infinite staircases and impossible objects are recognizable around the world. Escher is often parodied and imitated, which further enhances his presence in popular culture.
Escher’s works are also part of the permanent collections of many prestigious museums around the world, such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and MoMA in New York.
color heliogravure, heavyweight vellum paper, 31 x 23 cm (plate impression), mounted in a passe-partout measuring 47 x 37 cm, hand-numbered in pencil 19/75, plate reference under the composition “M.C. Escher,” publisher’s dry stamp lower left: Arte K surrounded by the words “EDITION LIMITED CERTIFIED ARTS USA EUROPE SINCE 1998.” Accompanied by the publisher’s original certificate, issued and signed by Arte K, confirming the authenticity of the limited edition numbering,
“Waterfall” is one of the most recognizable lithographs by the Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, depicting the paradox of perpetual motion (perpetuum mobile) and a structure based on impossible geometry. The aqueduct cleverly utilizes the so-called Penrose triangle. The water appears to flow downward through a flat, zigzagging channel supported by columns, but ultimately reaches the very top of the tower, from where it falls back onto the mill wheel. Complex geometric solids are placed at the tops of the two towers:
• On the left tower: a compound of three cubes.
• On the right tower: a stellated icosahedron.
Maurits Cornelis Escher, a Dutch artist who became famous for his mathematical and artistic experiments, optical illusions, and his fascination with infinity and paradoxes.
Escher was not a formally trained mathematician, but his works are full of complex geometric structures, such as tessellations, infinite patterns, and impossible objects. As a result, he gained recognition not only in artistic circles but also among scientists and mathematicians. His works are often used to illustrate mathematical concepts such as symmetry, infinity, and geometric transformations.
Escher’s works have permeated popular culture and are used in many contexts, from album covers to movies and books. His paintings have become iconic, and motifs such as infinite staircases and impossible objects are recognizable around the world. Escher is often parodied and imitated, which further enhances his presence in popular culture.
Escher’s works are also part of the permanent collections of many prestigious museums around the world, such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and MoMA in New York.
