Circle Limit II

1959

M.C. Escher

Artist, Dutch, 1898 - 1972

A red, black, and white circular design is printed on slightly yellowed paper in this square woodcut. A black X at the center of the design is bordered in the white of the paper. It is surrounded by a ring of smaller Xes or crosses, depending on their orientation. Those alternate with white surrounded by red or red surrounded by black. Rings of ever-smaller X shapes radiate outward to the perimeter, which seems to stretch back into infinity. The repetition of these shapes creates a tessellated effect, resembling a kaleidoscope pattern. At the lower left, beneath the circle, is the pencil signature "MC Escher III-'59." Another pencil inscription is to the lower right under the circle, and a number written on the back of the bottom right corner of the sheet shows through.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut in red and black, printed from two blocks

  • Credit Line

    Cornelius Van S. Roosevelt Collection

  • Dimensions

    image (diameter): 41.7 cm (16 7/16 in.)
    sheet: 49.7 x 47.3 cm (19 9/16 x 18 5/8 in.)

  • Accession

    1974.28.78

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bool 1981, no. 432


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

Q65574390


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