The artwork entitled “Horses and Birds,” created by M.C. Escher in the year 1949, belongs to the Op Art movement and is identified with the genre of tessellation.
The artwork presents a masterful interlocking pattern of horses and birds, exemplifying Escher’s renowned skill in tessellation. Within the intricate composition, horses and birds are interwoven in such a manner that they appear to seamlessly transition into one another. The use of black and white creates a sharp contrast, emphasizing the visual fluidity and complexity of the figures. The background features a series of clouds and elements of nature, such as plants and flowers, adding to the overall aesthetic intricacy. The symmetry and repetition in the artwork are characteristic of Escher’s fascination with mathematical principles and optical illusions. The artwork stands as a quintessential representation of Escher’s contribution to the Op Art movement, showcasing his exceptional ability to blend art with geometric precision.