Ex Libris G.H. ’s Gravesande (1940) by M.C. Escher

Ex Libris G.H. ’s Gravesande - M.C. Escher - 1940

Artwork Information

TitleEx Libris G.H. ’s Gravesande
ArtistM.C. Escher
Date1940
Mediumwood engraving
Art MovementExpressionism

About Ex Libris G.H. ’s Gravesande

The artwork entitled “Ex Libris G.H. ’s Gravesande” is a creation by the notable artist M.C. Escher, produced in the year 1940. The medium employed for this piece is wood engraving, a testament to Escher’s commitment to detail and craftsmanship. The artwork is categorized within the realm of illustration and is influenced by the Expressionism movement, an art form that typically seeks to express emotional experience rather than impressions of the external world.

“Ex Libris G.H. ’s Gravesande” is a bookplate designed with a meticulous approach, featuring a central rectangular frame inscribed with the text “Ex Libris G.H. ’s Gravesande.” The frame is surrounded by a burst of lines radiating outward, creating a dynamic and energetic effect that draws the viewer’s gaze into the name at the center. At the top and bottom of the central frame, there is additional text warped by the radiating lines, which contributes to the sense of depth and movement. Flanking the central area on both sides are the representations of two birds, one appears in flight while the other is perched, adding a touch of organic life to the composition. At the lower corners are tangible objects – an ink bottle on the left and an inkwell with a quill on the right – that serve as traditional symbols of writing and literature, thereby reinforcing the function and literary connection of the bookplate. The contrast of the dark engravings on a light background accentuates the detailed line work and textures, characteristic of Escher’s meticulous hand.

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