Emblemata – Butterfly (1931) by M.C. Escher

Emblemata - Butterfly - M.C. Escher - 1931

Artwork Information

TitleEmblemata - Butterfly
ArtistM.C. Escher
Date1931
Art MovementExpressionism

About Emblemata - Butterfly

“Emblemata – Butterfly” is an illustration created by the renowned artist M.C. Escher in the year 1931. This artwork belongs to the art movement of Expressionism and is part of the series “XXIV Emblemata dat zijn zinne-beelden.” The artwork is characterized by intricate depictions of natural elements, predominantly featuring a butterfly surrounded by a variety of detailed floral patterns. The accompanying text written in Dutch alludes to metaphoric themes of fragility and beauty.

The artwork portrays a scene of vibrant natural harmony, with the central focus being a delicately rendered butterfly. It is placed amid an array of meticulously illustrated flowers and foliage, capturing the essence of nature’s transient beauty. The upper section contains Latin text which translates to “Sign of immortality, very fragile,” emphasizing the ephemeral nature of life. The lower section supports this theme with Dutch text, resonating with notions of duty and beauty. The detailed interplay of light and shadow in the black and white illustration exemplifies Escher’s mastery in creating visually captivating and thought-provoking artworks.

Other Artwork from M.C. Escher

More Expressionism Artwork

Scroll to Top