Escher artist biography

(1898-1972)

Synopsis

Born on June 17, 1898, in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, illustrator M.C. Escher developed a print and engraving style that distinctively played with orientation and space. Influenced by Moorish designs in Spain, works like "Day and Night" featured interlocking forms and transformation on a surreal canvas.

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Later embraced by both artistic and math/science communities, Escher died on March 27, 1972.

Background

Maurits Cornelis Escher was born on June 17, 1898, in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, to Sarah and George Escher. The youngest of five brothers, Escher had an ability to visualize distinct spatial patterns from childhood, and, though not faring well in much of his earlier studies, he attended Haarlem's School for Architectural and Decorative Arts.

There, Escher decided to take up graphic arts under the recommendation of his mentor, Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita.

His earlier work included nudes and innovative portraiture captured in woodcuts, M.C. Escher | Biography, Facts, & Tessellation | Britannica LEFI