The artwork titled “XIIme Congrés Postal Universel: illustration” was created by the distinguished artist M.C. Escher in the year 1947. This piece, belonging to the Op Art movement, is categorized under the genre of illustration.
The artwork features an intricate depiction of a map, resembling a coastal region, rendered in Escher’s unmistakable style. Its graphical representation showcases fluid and interconnected landforms, demonstrating the artist’s exceptional skill in transforming ordinary subjects into complex visual explorations. Latin text, “DEUS MARE FECIT BATAVUS LITORA,” meaning “God made the sea, the Dutch made the shore,” is prominently displayed on the map, emphasizing the historical Dutch mastery over water and land reclamation. The composition is meticulously detailed, with wave patterns in the water and a textured, almost topographical, treatment of the land, reflecting Escher’s genius in blending artistic technique with mathematical precision.