The artwork titled “New Year’s Greeting Card,” created by the artist M.C. Escher in 1946, is an exemplary piece within the Expressionism art movement. It is categorized under the genre of posters.
The artwork portrays a striking underground view looking upward from within a cylindrical pit. A pair of hands firmly grip the rungs of a ladder which appears to be extending upwards towards the opening at the top. The higher perspective reveals a cluster of buildings and trees bathed in daylight. Birds are seen flying in the sky, evoking a sense of freedom and hope. The intricate crosshatching technique employed by Escher accentuates the depth and perspective, creating a vivid contrast between light and shadow. Above, the artwork is inscribed with “NEDERLANDSCHE EXLIBRIS-KRING 1 JAN. 1947” and below with the phrase “WIJ KOMEN ER UIT!” which translates to “We are coming out!” This expression, combined with the imagery, communicates a powerful message of emergence and new beginnings, aligning perfectly with the theme of a New Year’s greeting.
