The artwork “Emblemata – Sundial” was crafted by the renowned Dutch artist M.C. Escher in 1931. It is a part of the series “XXIV Emblemata dat zijn zinne-beelden” and represents an illustration that adopts characteristics of the Expressionist movement. The piece is distinguished not solely by its artistic merit but also by its incorporation within a broader collection of works that aim to convey profound concepts through visual symbolism.
In the artwork, a columnar sundial stands prominently within a garden-like setting, surrounded by a patterned floor and flora at its base. The sundial itself, fixed on a sturdy plinth, becomes the focal point of the composition. Its gnomon, the feature casting the shadow, juts out decisively, highlighting the functionality of the object amidst its ornate surroundings. The use of light and shadow in the piece underscores the transient nature of time, a common theme in Escher’s work. The stark contrast and intricate detailing typical of Escher’s style are evident here, providing a vivid texture that invites viewers to ponder the interplay between the two-dimensional illustration and the three-dimensional concept it represents.
Above and below the central depiction are bands of text, likely Latin and Dutch, contributing an additional layer of meaning and context to the work. These inscriptions may relate philosophical musings or interpretive commentary, which were often paired with such emblematic visuals in historical emblem books. The interlocking of text and image in this manner is characteristic of the emblem genre, which seeks to unite word and picture into a cohesive, allegorical message.