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Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
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Open 10:00–5:00

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

Sun and Moon

1948

M.C. Escher

Associated Names

M.C. Escher

Artist, Dutch, 1898 - 1972

The image shows interlocking black and white shapes forming an abstract pattern. The shapes resemble slightly distorted birds or doves fitting together in a continuous tessellation. Within the larger black shapes, white areas depict celestial themes with stars and planetary rings. This creates an impression of movement, akin to a kaleidoscope of birds against a celestial backdrop. The composition invites exploration of the blend of bird-like forms with outer space.

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Artwork overview

Medium

woodcut in black
Credit Line

Seymour and Iris Schwartz Collection
Accession Number

1981.80.28
Catalogue Raisonné

Bool 1981, no. 357, State (partial proof)

Artwork history & notes

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

Q74038081

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