“The 5th Day of the Creation,” created by the artist M.C. Escher in 1926, is a surrealist religious painting that forms part of the “Creation Story” series. The artwork artistically explores the biblical theme of the fifth day of creation, where God fills the waters with fish and the sky with birds.
The artwork is a black and white depiction brimming with intricate details, characteristic of Escher’s style. In the composition, various birds such as swans, pelicans, and smaller avians, are portrayed flying, perched, or wading in water. Beneath them, the aquatic domain is teeming with diverse forms of marine life including fish, a seahorse, and starfishes. The meticulous arrangement of the flora and fauna across different planes highlights the dynamic interplay between the aerial and aquatic realms. This elaborate depiction not only reflects the divine act of creation but also synergizes elements of surrealism, imbuing the artwork with a sense of mystical harmony.
