The artwork “Path of Life II” was created by M.C. Escher in the year 1958. It is a piece that belongs to the Op Art movement—a style of visual art that makes use of optical illusions—and this particular work falls under the tessellation genre, which is the covering of a surface using one or more geometric shapes, without gaps or overlaps.
The artwork displays an intricate play of shapes and forms that seamlessly blend into each other. At the heart of the composition lies a symmetrical, almost kaleidoscopic arrangement, which holds an array of geometric transformations that iterate to the perimeter of the piece. The further one moves from the center, the larger and more distinct the shapes become.
There is a mesmerizing contrast in the artwork, with the disciplined repetition of forms creating a rhythmic pattern that is both harmonious and enigmatic. The tessellated nature of the piece means that it is filled with repeating patterns of shapes that are arranged without any overlap or space between them. Escher’s mastery of creating optical illusions is evident, as the flat, two-dimensional surface seems to invoke a sense of depth and movement through its meticulously crafted gradations and curves.
As one contemplates “Path of Life II,” it becomes apparent that the work is a quintessential example of Escher’s fascination with metamorphosis and infinity, concepts that often underpin the tessellation genre and the Op Art movement. Through the mathematical precision and artistic expression evident in the artwork, Escher challenges the viewer’s perception of reality, inviting them to embark on a visual journey through the interlocking patterns that map the explorative path of life as implied by the title.