The fact that the upper half progresses into the bottom one and vice versa gives rise to a tessellation in which birds become residual shapes to the fish and the other way around. In the last row of each half there are four of them. Then there is a row with three birds heading right and left and three fish heading right and left. In the next row two birds are flying to the right and two are flying to the left, as do the fish in the corresponding row. Their fish counterparts at the bottom are engaged in the same movement.

Viewed from above, the first black bird is flying to the right the second one is flying to the left. In it, all the birds and fish are moving to the right, whereas in II we see them moving in both directions. Six months earlier he produced a woodcut with the same subject: Sky and Water I. Escher, Sky and Water II, woodcut, December 1938Įscher created Sky and Water II in the freezing month of December in 1938, in stark contrast to the beautiful weather we have in the Netherlands today. The young couple was given the choice between an ironing board or this woodcut. How did this one come to Catawiki and how much did it sell for? The original owner was a technical engineer who received this woodcut in 1955 as a wedding gift from his employer. Sky and Water I is another of the most sought after woodcuts among collectors. This single, beautiful example sold at our auction for €19,500! To add to the exclusivity, it was also signed in pencil by Escher personally. It is a so-called ‘eigen druk’, which means it was self-printed by Escher. After 80 years this woodcut is still in excellent condition, and it came to Catawiki through the descendants of the original owner. Sky and Water II is highly sought after among collectors internationally. The tessellated figures were abstract in the Moorish style, but in Escher’s world, the figures were mainly reptiles, birds and fish. The artist was inspired by the Moorish artworks seen in the Alhambra in Spain. They are great examples of the Escher’s tessellation, a presentation entirely filled with uniform figures that do not overlap each other anywhere. The result is clever and absolutely stunning. The iconic woodcuts that were sold on Catawiki, Sky and Water I and Sky and Water II, are excellent interplays of light and dark, where birds in the air transform into fish in the water. After failing his high school exams, he enrolled in architecture school, but after just one week decided that he would rather study graphic design. Although mathematics inspired his work, Escher was not an excellent student. Early on his career he worked in a more realistic style, but his travels in Italy and Spain inspired the fantastic style that has become so associated with his name. His works are adored by millions worldwide. His graphic oeuvre consists of 448 lithographs, woodcuts and wood engravings and over 2000 sketches. To get you inspired, our expert shares the tale of two of Escher's works that were previously sold on Catawiki and brought in impressive winning bids.Įscher was a Dutch artist known internationally for his almost impossible constructions, magnificent trompe l'oeils and cunning transformations. Escher auction that will start in September 2017. In honour of his brilliant work, Catawiki is organising for the third time a special M.C. His mathematically-inspired style is easily recognisable, and some of his works have graced Catawiki's Art auctions. Escher, the master of optical illusion, was born on 17 June 1898 in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. In collaboration with Michiel Vliegenthart - Classical Art Expert

M. c. escher tessellation sky and water