Madonna del Parto, Sutri

1927

M.C. Escher

Associated Names
M.C. Escher

Artist, Dutch, 1898 - 1972

The image shows a dimly lit, cavernous space with a series of archways lining an underground tunnel or passage. The perspective leads the viewer's gaze into the depth of the composition, with a path that continues into the distance. The horizon is implied by the vanishing point created by the alignment of the arches. The artwork uses a sketch-like style with charcoal or white pencil on a dark surface, featuring loose and textured strokes depicting the rough, rocky texture of the cave walls. The color palette is minimalistic, mainly dark with light graphite or white charcoal lines defining the forms and structure. The interplay of light and shadow creates a moody and mysterious atmosphere.
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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The artist; to the M. C. Escher Foundation, Baarn, The Netherlands, 1968–72; purchased by Michael Sachs, CT, c. 1980; purchased by Rock J. Walker, New York and San Francisco; purchased by Michael Louis Schiffman, Los Angeles, November 1993; gift to NGA, 2021

Associated Names

Bibliography

1980

  • M. C. Escher Archive: Drawings, 106 microfiche, Gemeentemuseum, The Hague and Interdocumentation Company, Zug, Switzerland, 1980: no. 1667.

Inscriptions

lower left in white crayon: 27-4-'27 / MADONNA DEL / PARTO / SUTRI; lower right verso in graphite, by later hand: T186-x-69; Not signed. Not dated.

Markings

None.

Watermarks

None.

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