The artwork, titled “Waterfall,” was created by M.C. Escher in 1961. It belongs to the Surrealism art movement and is classified within the genre of capriccio.
The artwork presents an intriguing and paradoxical scene wherein water seemingly flows uphill and circulates perpetually, challenging the viewer’s perception of gravity and physics. The water cascades down from an aqueduct supported by a series of arches and ultimately drives a waterwheel before mysteriously rising back up to the top of the structure. The composition includes geometric and architectural elements with intricate detailing, creating a visual illusion that defies logic and evokes a sense of surreal wonder. The background features terraced landscapes and cultivated fields, adding depth to the overall composition.