Convex and Concave
Encyclopedia
Convex and Concave is a lithograph
print by the Dutch
artist M. C. Escher
, first printed in March 1955.
It depicts an ornate architectural structure with many stairs, pillars and other shapes. The relative aspects of the objects in the image are distorted in such a way that many of the structure's features can be seen as both convex shapes and concave impressions.
This is a very good example of Escher's mastery in creating illusion of "Impossible Architectures". The window
s, roads, stairs and other shapes can be perceived as opening out in seemingly impossible ways and positions. The trick of using the cubes that appear as the motif in the Flag on right half of this print; is easily identified. One can view these features as concave by viewing the image upside-down.
Note that all additional elements and decoration on the left are consistent with a viewpoint from above, while those on the right with a viewpoint from below: hiding half the image makes it very easy to switch between convex and concave.
Lithography
Lithography is a method for printing using a stone or a metal plate with a completely smooth surface...
print by the Dutch
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
artist M. C. Escher
M. C. Escher
Maurits Cornelis Escher , usually referred to as M. C. Escher , was a Dutch graphic artist. He is known for his often mathematically inspired woodcuts, lithographs, and mezzotints...
, first printed in March 1955.
It depicts an ornate architectural structure with many stairs, pillars and other shapes. The relative aspects of the objects in the image are distorted in such a way that many of the structure's features can be seen as both convex shapes and concave impressions.
This is a very good example of Escher's mastery in creating illusion of "Impossible Architectures". The window
Window
A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which...
s, roads, stairs and other shapes can be perceived as opening out in seemingly impossible ways and positions. The trick of using the cubes that appear as the motif in the Flag on right half of this print; is easily identified. One can view these features as concave by viewing the image upside-down.
Note that all additional elements and decoration on the left are consistent with a viewpoint from above, while those on the right with a viewpoint from below: hiding half the image makes it very easy to switch between convex and concave.
Sources
- Locher, J.L. (2000). The Magic of M. C. Escher. Harry N. Abrams, Inc. ISBN 0-8109-6720-0.