The artwork titled “Ss. Giovanni et Paolo, Rome (May 1936)” was created by the renowned artist M.C. Escher in the year 1936. The medium used for this piece is lithography, a printmaking technique that Escher mastered throughout his career. Although Escher is often associated with Surrealism, his diverse body of work defies easy classification; however, this particular artwork is more representative of a cityscape rather than Escher’s typical mind-bending explorations of infinity and perspective.
The artwork portrays a complex architectural scene dominated by the imposing edifice of the Basilica of Saints John and Paul (‘Santi Giovanni e Paolo’) located in Rome. Escher has skillfully used tones of black, white, and various grays to depict the solidity and texture of the buildings. The play of light and shadow, a characteristic aspect of Escher’s style, adds depth and a sense of realism to the structure. Despite conveying a realistic representation of the scene, there is an aura of silent stillness that aligns with some surreal elements, making the scene appear both familiar and otherworldly. There’s a notable contrast in the scene with the organic form of a solitary palm tree against the rigid, angular architecture. The viewer’s perspective seems to be from a slightly elevated angle, looking upon the rooftops and facades. The meticulously detailed stonework and windows elicit Escher’s precision, while the absence of human presence lends the cityscape an ethereal quality.