The artwork, titled “Calanche of Piana, Corsica (February 1934),” is a creation by the renowned artist M.C. Escher in 1934. Executed in the medium of wood engraving, the artwork is characterized by its affiliation with the Surrealism art movement and falls within the genre of landscape.
The artwork depicts a striking, intricate rendition of the Calanche of Piana, a rugged coastal area in Corsica known for its dramatic rock formations. Escher’s wood engraving showcases detailed and complex textures, capturing the essence of the unique geological features with a high degree of precision. The juxtaposition of dark and light areas emphasizes the contours and depth of the rocky landscape. The composition includes the craggy cliffs in the foreground with a suggestion of foliage, while the serene sea forms the backdrop, adding a contrasting sense of tranquility to the rugged terrain. The vertical lines in the background, likely representing rain or an abstract interpretation of the sea or sky, add a layer of surrealism to the naturalistic scene, enhancing the artwork’s dramatic effect.