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

Emblemata - Vase - M.C. Escher - 1931

Artwork Information

TitleEmblemata - Vase
ArtistM.C. Escher
Date1931
Art MovementSurrealism

About Emblemata - Vase

The artwork “Emblemata – Vase” by M.C. Escher, created in 1931, can be categorized as an illustration within the Surrealist movement. Surrealism is known for its exploration of the unconscious mind and the juxtaposition of unexpected elements.

Analyzing the artwork reveals a starkly contrasted composition employing a technique reminiscent of woodcut printing, a medium often utilized by Escher. The focal point is a voluminous vase centered on the canvas, containing a lush arrangement of flowers that exude a sense of vitality and organic growth. The flowers are rendered with meticulous attention to their individual petals and textures, indicating not only the artist’s skill but also a deeply considered study of the subject matter.

Surrounding the vase and its flowers is a dark background, stippled with fine vertical lines that suggest a receding space and further emphasize the brightness of the botanical forms. This contrast enhances the three-dimensional illusion of the vase and the florals contained within it. Above and below the central image, text is inscribed in a manner typical of emblem books from the 16th and 17th centuries, providing a layer of narrative or symbolic meaning.

The artwork’s monochromatic palette, dominated by black and white, creates a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. This, combined with the intricate detailing and the inclusion of text, reflects a fusion of visual and literary elements which is characteristic of Escher’s explorative and intellectually stimulating approach to art.

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