Tower of Babel

1928

M.C. Escher

Associated Names
M.C. Escher

Artist, Dutch, 1898 - 1972

This black-and-white print shows a tall tower seen from above. The tower is surrounded by several slightly shorter towers, some with domed roofs and others with pointed roofs. The towers are decorated with long vertical lines and rectangular windows, while the tallest tower also has arched windows. Several people are working on this tower, some with dark skin and some with light skin. They have ropes and long planks of wood and are using pulleys to transport materials. At the very top, the walls transition into a stone pattern, and the top walls are unfinished. Some people sit or stand on the top, talking to each other or looking down. At the base of the tower are many smaller buildings, as well as piles of stone blocks and wood planks, around which crowds of people gather. At the top of the print, beyond the tower, a body of water is visible, with boats sailing on the water or docked near the low buildings.
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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1995

  • M.C. Escher: Landscape to Mindscape, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, 1995-1996.

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

Q65574085

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