The artwork, titled “Temporary Academy Diploma,” was created by M.C. Escher in 1945. This piece is aligned with the Surrealism movement and is categorized under the genre of posters. The title and other descriptive elements of the artwork are intricately integrated within its design, reflecting the period and artistic inclinations of its time.
In the artwork, an owl is prominently featured, standing atop a stack of geometric blocks. The owl, rendered in meticulous detail, gazes directly forward with strikingly large and expressive eyes. Behind the owl is a landscape that appears to be a mix of natural scenery and urban development, implying a sense of depth and complexity. In the backdrop, smoke rises from a distant point, adding an enigmatic and somewhat ominous atmosphere to the scene. The borders of the artwork contain text that identifies the occasion and dates associated with this temporary academy, rendering the piece both informative and visually compelling. The intricate lines and patterning typical of Escher’s style are evident, contributing to the surreal and thought-provoking quality of the poster.
