The artwork “Doric Columns,” created by M.C. Escher in 1945, is a surrealist cityscape. This piece exemplifies Escher’s ability to manipulate perspective and structure, drawing the viewer into an intriguing architectural illusion.
In “Doric Columns,” Escher presents an unconventional depiction of classical architecture. Two prominent Doric columns appear to be twisted and contorted within a confined, grid-like space. The artist uses a meticulous arrangement of lines and shading to create the illusion of depth and distortion, causing the columns to paradoxically converge and diverge. The structure’s walls feature a detailed mesh of perpendicular lines, enhancing the spatial ambiguity and reinforcing the surrealistic elements of the piece. The overall effect is a disorienting, yet fascinating exploration of perspective and form.