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

Emblemata - Steamroller - M.C. Escher - 1931

Artwork Information

TitleEmblemata - Steamroller
ArtistM.C. Escher
Date1931
Art MovementRealism

About Emblemata - Steamroller

The artwork “Emblemata – Steamroller” by M.C. Escher dates back to 1931. It is an illustration and part of the series “XXIV Emblemata dat zijn zinne-beelden”. Despite being associated with intricate and mind-bending works typically classified under the art movement of Realism, this particular artwork offers a unique visual experience that reflects Escher’s diverse artistic interests.

The artwork features a steamroller, dominant and centralized, with bold lines and a stark contrast between black and white. It is depicted from a slightly low angle, giving the machine a monumental and overpowering presence. The textured shading suggests a strong light source from above, highlighting the mechanical details and lending depth to the composition. Below the steamroller, there is a text in Dutch, which contributes a narrative element to the work. The upper border of the artwork contains a Latin phrase, visually anchoring the text’s thematic significance. Both the text and the detailed rendering of the machine emphasize the notion of perseverance and continual progress, themes often found in emblematic images entwined with moral or instructive messages.

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