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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Eye

1946

M.C. Escher

Associated Names

M.C. Escher

Artist, Dutch, 1898 - 1972

This is a drawing of a human eye with a skull reflected in its pupil. The drawing depicts a close-up of an eye, focusing on the lines and textures of the eye surface, including the eyelashes and eyelid. The most striking feature is the detailed reflection of a skull in the pupil. The tonal variations enhance the realism of the eye and surreal aspect of the reflection. The overall mood of the drawing is intriguing and slightly ominous.

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Artwork overview

Medium

mezzotint and drypoint
Credit Line

Seymour and Iris Schwartz Collection
Accession Number

1981.80.26
Catalogue Raisonné

Bool 1981, no. 344, State vii/vii

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1983

Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., July 1983.

Bibliography

1981

Bool, F.H. et al. M.C. Escher: His Life and Complete Graphic Work. Amsterdam: Meulenhoff, 1981; English-language edition, New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1982.

Wikidata ID

Q74038064

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