M.C. Escher (1898-1972) - Up and Down

This is a vintage offset print of
Maurits Cornelis Escher’s 1947 “Up and Down” that is considered one of the artist’s primary works as a printmaker.

Escher, known for his depictions of landscapes, towns, and buildings in his works, explored the use of mathematics to transform his subjects by analyzing objects and figures. “Up and Down” is a surrealist artwork with an architectural subject.

The print features a winding staircase with multiple landings that connect to different levels of upside-down rooms. The stairs twist in various directions which create an optical illusion where it is unclear whether one is going up or down. Adding to the surrealistic feeling are the inverted figures on some landings that serve to confuse perspective even further.

Escher’s use of intricate lines gives this artwork a high level of detail while his understanding of math makes it evident through symmetry and perspective transformations. Escher was fascinated with impossible shapes that created unusual distortions, which show well in “Up and Down.”

Overall, this work encapsulates Maurits Cornelis Escher’s style well by exploring architecture through mathematic transformations that produce intricate details within the print.

Unfortunately the print has a tear on the bottom, see last image.
It is mounted on a wooden plate, with a hanger on the back.

Messures
50.3 x 20.5 cm (19 3/4 x 8 1/8 in.)