The Magic Mirror of M.C. Escher - Softcover

Ernst, Bruno

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0345294505 ISBN 13: 9780345294500

Publisher: Ballantine Books, 1976

Synopsis

"A woman once rang me up and said, 'Mr. Escher, I am absolutely crazy about your work. In your print "Reptiles", you have given such a striking illustration of reincarnation.' I replied, 'Madame, if that's the way you see it, so be it.'" An engagingly sly comment by the renowned Dutch graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) - the complex ambiguities of whose work leave hasty or single-minded interpretations far behind. Long before the first computer-generated 3-D images were thrilling the public, Escher was a master of the third dimension. His lithograph "Magic Mirror" dates as far back as 1946. In taking that title for this book, mathematician Bruno Ernst is stressing the magic spell Escher's work invariably casts on those who see it. Ernst visited Escher every week for a year, systematically talking through his entire oeuvre with him. Their discussions resulted in a friendship that gave Ernst intimate access to the life and conceptual world of Escher. Ernst's account was meticulously scrutinized and made accurate by the artist himself.
Escher's work refuses to be pigeonholed. Scientific, psychological, or aesthetic criteria alone cannot do it justice. The questions remain. Why did he create the pictures? How did he construct them? What preliminary studies were necessary before he could arrive at the final version? And how are the various images Escher created interrelated? This book, complete with biographical data, 250 illustrations, and explications of mathematical problems, offers answers to these and many other questions, and is an authentic source text of the first order.

About this title

About the Author

Angelika Taschen studied art history and German literature in Heidelberg, gaining her doctorate in 1986. Working for TASCHEN from 1987 to 2010, she has published numerous titles on art, architecture, photography, design, travel, and lifestyle.

Since 1994, Creative Director Giovanni Bianco has dedicated his unique artistic vision to the worlds of fashion, luxury and entertainment. In 2001, he formed Studio 65, where together with a team of artistic minds and innovative spirits, he serves a high profile, multinational clientele. High end labels like Versace, Miu Miu and Zegna number only a few of those that rely on the Studio s expertise to communicate their brands. In addition, Giovanni Bianco and his Studio have successfully used their savoir-faire to collaborate with Madonna on numerous projects since 2004.

Edition details

• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Publication date: 1976
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0345294505
• ISBN 13: 9780345294500
• Binding: Paperback