The artwork, titled “New Year’s Greeting Card,” was created by M.C. Escher in 1949. The piece belongs to the Op Art movement and is characterized by its tessellation genre.
The artwork displays an intriguing composition of fish and boats intricately interwoven in a tessellated pattern. The fish, rendered in black and white, seamlessly transition into boats with billowing sails, illustrating Escher’s mastery of optical illusions and transformations. The design’s clever arrangement creates a dynamic visual flow that captivates the viewer, with elements blending harmoniously into one another. The background features flying birds and stylized water, enhancing the surrealistic and imaginative nature of the piece. The text at the top, “1949-L.ENK. ASSELBERGS,” and at the bottom, “JEB,” further personalize the greeting card.