Still Life and Street (1937) by M.C. Escher

Still Life and Street - M.C. Escher - 1937

Artwork Information

TitleStill Life and Street
ArtistM.C. Escher
Date1937
Art MovementSurrealism

About Still Life and Street

The artwork “Still Life and Street” by M.C. Escher, created in 1937, is an exemplar of the Surrealism art movement, specifically categorized within the still life genre. The piece is a masterful blend of meticulous detail and paradoxical perspective, showcasing Escher’s unique ability to intertwine reality and illusion.

The artwork presents a seemingly traditional still life composition at the forefront, including a covered wicker bowl, a bookstack with detailed linework signifying various textures and patterns, playing cards splayed upon a ledge, and an ashtray with a smoking pipe. Each object is rendered with exquisite care, allowing the viewer to appreciate the tangible qualities of these everyday items.

However, upon closer inspection, one realizes that the table upon which these objects rest merges impossibly with a bird’s-eye view of a street scene below. This transition is seamless, creating an illusion where the edge of the table becomes part of the buildings lining the street. The urban scene is characterized by densely packed structures, people engaging in daily activities, and architectural embellishments typical of Escher’s attention to detail. Clotheslines stretch between buildings, adding to the sense of communal urban life.

The juxtaposition of the intimate space of the still life against the vast public space of the street emphasizes Escher’s fascination with perspective and his challenge to the viewer’s perceptions of space. The work thus serves not only as a visual enigma but also as a commentary on the duality of the private and the public realms. Overall, “Still Life and Street” is a testament to Escher’s prowess in crafting visual riddles and exploring the boundaries between two-dimensional representation and three-dimensional space.

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