Development II 1939

M.C. Escher made this striking image using the medium of wood engraving, and in it, he explores tessellation, the fitting together of shapes. Escher’s work is a fascinating example of the institutional frameworks that shape artistic production. Though celebrated today, during his lifetime, Escher was largely ignored by the mainstream art world. His mathematical approach was seen as outside the traditional scope of artistic practice. The art world and the world of mathematics rarely connected during the 20th century. The image shows a pattern of tessellated lizards, spiraling from the center outwards. They begin as abstract shapes, gradually morphing into recognizable figures as they reach the edge. Escher’s prints are powerful because of the cultural references, such as the moebius strip, that evoke a sense of infinity and paradox. They invite us to question the nature of reality and representation. Understanding Escher's work benefits from looking at the history of mathematics and design. By researching the critical reception of his work, we can better understand the changing boundaries of what counts as art.