The artwork titled “Tournai Cathedral (August 1934)” was created by M.C. Escher in 1934. Employing the medium of woodcut, this piece belongs to the Realism art movement and can be classified within the cityscape genre.
In the artwork, Escher meticulously carves out a detailed representation of the Tournai Cathedral, set amidst a vista of concentric roofs and buildings. The structure commands prominence in the composition with its towering spires and intricate architectural features. The linear quality of the woodcut technique accentuates both the cathedral and the surrounding urban landscape, providing a sense of depth and texture. The meticulous attention to detail and precise lines enhance the Realism of the piece, capturing not just the physicality but also the essence of the setting. The dark and light contrasts within the black-and-white medium emphasize the structural intricacies, creating a striking and dynamic portrayal of the historic cathedral amid the urban sprawl.
