The artwork named “Cycle” by M.C. Escher, created in 1938, is a remarkable piece belonging to the Op Art movement. This artwork exemplifies the genre of tessellation, wherein repetitive patterns and designs create a complex and eye-catching visual effect.
In this artwork, Escher illustrates a bewildering scene filled with interlocking and gradually transforming shapes. Human figures emerge from these geometric forms, seemingly climbing and descending interconnected steps that form a cohesive and cyclical pattern. The seamless transformation of the figures and the architectural elements challenges the viewer’s perception of space and movement, embodying the intriguing optical illusions for which Escher is renowned. The backdrop features a detailed landscape, adding depth and context to the surreal composition.