M.C. Escher Dutch, 1898-1972

Born in the Netherlands in 1898, M.C Escher (1898 - 1972) began to sketch and make prints in his early teens and eventually studied at the Haarlem School for Architecture and Decorative Arts. In 1921, Escher visited Spain where he was exposed to native Moorish tiles decorated with tessellated, interlocking, repetitive patterns which would prove to have a significant influence on the development of his artistic vision. Escher soon moved to Italy where he spent years creating drawings and prints that played with light and contrasting elements, depicting monochromatic landscapes, natural forms, and intricate architectural studies. These works laid the foundation for his future explorations into perspective. 

In 1929, Escher's work had began to attract the attention of art critics and his prints where featured in exhibitions in the Netherlands and Switzerland. It was during this time when Escher began to experiment with the concepts of metamorphosis and perspective, presenting objects that gradually evolved into something completely different. The notion of metamorphosis would be a continuous theme throughout his work, as in his iconic work, Day and Night, 1938, which would eventually become the most celebrated of all his pieces. 

M.C Escher's work currently resides in the collections of major museums around the world, including the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. His museum exhibitions draw record crowds wherever they are held.