The artwork in question, titled “Smaller & Smaller Colour”, was crafted by the renowned artist M.C. Escher in the year 1956. It is a notable piece from the Op Art movement and is recognized within the genre of tessellation. This composition is characterized by its intricate interlocking forms that diminish in size as they radiate towards the center, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
“Smaller & Smaller Colour” features a pattern of lizards that interlock perfectly to form a seamless mosaic. The color palette consists primarily of orange, black, and white, which are strategically used to enhance the visual depth and complexity of the tessellated design. Each lizard fits precisely with the others, illustrating Escher’s mastery of geometric principles and his ability to manipulate spatial relationships. The diminishing scale of the lizards towards the central point of the artwork exemplifies the thematic focus on infinity and the concept of the infinitely small, a recurring theme in Escher’s oeuvre. The meticulous detail and mathematical precision evident in this piece underscore its place within the Op Art movement and tessellation genre, reflecting both technical prowess and imaginative vision.