Sky and Water II

1938

M.C. Escher

Associated Names
M.C. Escher

Artist, Dutch, 1898 - 1972

At the top of this print, black birds fly against a white background. The birds are all identical, although they face different directions. As we move down to the center of the print, the shapes of the birds become simplified, and they fly next to each other in straight rows against the white background. As the rows continue downward, the white negative space between the birds begins to take the form of fish, while the birds become simple black silhouettes. After a few rows, the birds are no longer distinguishable against the black background, and the white fish take shape. At the bottom of the print, the fish are detailed, their mouths open and eyes wide. Similar to how the birds were at the top of the print, they are all identical but face different directions. The edges of the print are gray, and the background is off-white paper.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut

  • Credit Line

    Cornelius Van S. Roosevelt Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 62 x 40.8 cm (24 7/16 x 16 1/16 in.)
    sheet: 73 x 50.9 cm (28 3/4 x 20 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1974.28.11

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bool 1981, no. 308


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1997

  • M.C. Escher: A Centennial Tribute, National Gallery of Art, Washington; San Diego Museum of Art; The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, 1997-1999.

2000

  • "M.C. Escher", Knoxville Museum of Art, 2000.

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

Q65574214

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