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My work is a game, a very serious game.
—M. C. Escher

One of the world's most famous graphic artists, Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) was also one of history's most intriguing minds. The Dutch artist used the world of art as a playground in which to explore the architecture and mathematics of infinity.

Are you really sure that a floor can't also be a ceiling?
—M. C. Escher

Forever questioning the parameters of existence, Escher created works of art that were both mathematical and philosophical in nature. The image above, for instance, employs complex geometry to portray men endlessly climbing up and down staircases -- symbolizing, perhaps, the onward march of time and humanity.

Escher's work was rich with geometric distortions, patterns and tessellations (repeating tilings). Surprisingly though, he had no formal mathematical training; his mathematical sense was largely intuitive. As a young boy, the artist was far from an A-student. While he always excelled in drawing, Escher's grades were generally poor and he failed all his high school exams.

Only those who attempt the absurd...will achieve the impossible.
—M. C. Escher

Nonetheless, without any formal background, Escher went on to devote himself to the study of mathematical principles, from which he devised his own unique mathematical approach to explorations of symmetry in art. In his lifetime, he amassed a huge body of work, including 448 lithographs, woodcuts and wood engravings and more than 2000 drawings and sketches. He also authored and published papers that outlined his mathematical approach to art, such as Regular Division of the Plane with Asymmetric Congruent Polygons.

I am always wandering around in enigmas.
—M. C. Escher

Today, Escher's enigmatic, intriguing art continues to be enjoyed and celebrated by millions worldwide. Explore the edges of infinity -- visit our M. C. Escher art gallery now!

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