Self-Portrait 1917

This woodcut self-portrait was created by M.C. Escher, a Dutch artist known for his mathematically inspired art. The piece reflects Escher's interest in perspective and his distinct approach to depicting the world. Escher created this self-portrait at a time of shifting artistic expression, as artists grappled with new ways of seeing and representing reality. The image stands out because of his focus on sharp, geometric forms that define his features, rather than on the emotional nuances typically found in portraiture. There is a sense of detachment and introspection in the way Escher portrays himself, looking down, away, into himself. His technique reflects the early twentieth-century move towards abstraction. Through this woodcut, Escher invites us to consider the relationship between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer. The portrait challenges us to examine the layers of identity and representation.