The Magic Mirror of M.C. Escher M.C. Escher, a renowned Dutch artist, is known for his mind-bending and surreal artworks. One of his most iconic pieces is "The Magic Mirror," an intricate lithograph that showcases his artistic genius and fascination with optical illusions.
The dizzying Moorish patterns from the Alhambra Palace continued to inspire Escher as he played with the concept of “metamorphosis”. The idea of metamorphosis — one shape or object turning into something completely different — became Escher’s obsession.
In Drawing Hands, space and the flat plane coexist, each emerging from and returning to the other, Escher s abilities in artistic illusion on full display. In the grand traditions of Dutch artists, Escher began his art studies at the School for Architecture and Decorative Arts in Haarlem, but quickly abandoned architecture to pursue a career as a graphic artist.
One of his most iconic pieces is "The Magic Mirror," an intricate lithograph that showcases his artistic genius and fascination with optical illusions. The magic mirror in this artwork refers to a reflective surface that creates distorted and paradoxical reflections. Escher skillfully incorporates mathematical concepts and impossible objects to create a mesmerizing optical illusion.
The Magic Mirror of M.C. Escher
“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.’” A fittingly sly comment from renowned Dutch graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898–1972), whose complex and ambiguous drawings continue to leave hasty interpretations far behind.
Long before the first computer-generated 3-D images, Escher was a master of the third dimension. His lithograph Magic Mirror dates as far back as 1946. By taking such a title for the book, mathematician Bruno Ernst stressed the enrapturing 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 achieving the final version? And how are his various creations interrelated? This updated and redesigned edition of a true classic―complete with biographical data, 250 illustrations, and a thorough breaking-down of each mathematical problem―offers answers to these and many other lingering mysteries, and is an authentic source text of the first order.
Because of his artistic vision and visual legacy, Escher is widely celebrated from mathematicians and scientists to major figures in popular culture. His prints adorn British 1960’s album covers (although he was unsuccessfully courted by Mick Jagger for an album illustration) and worked with Stanley Kubrick to transform 2001: A Space Odyssey into a “fourth-dimensional film”. Escher continues to delight with inspiring imagery and curiosity.
The artwork consists of a room divided into two halves, with a mirror placed in the center. The reflection in the mirror reveals a seamless transition between the two halves, where the impossible becomes possible. Escher is greatly admired for his ability to create illusions that challenge the viewer's perception. In "The Magic Mirror," he plays with the idea of the reflection and its ability to distort reality. The mirror acts as a gateway to an alternate dimension, where objects seem to defy the laws of physics. Escher's attention to intricate detail is evident in this artwork. The geometric patterns and tessellations found throughout the composition demonstrate his fascination with mathematics. The artist's mathematical background allowed him to explore complex concepts and translate them into visually stunning artworks. "The Magic Mirror" also reflects Escher's interest in paradoxes and infinite spaces. The concept of infinity is a recurring theme in many of his works, and he often depicts impossible buildings and staircases that seemingly defy gravity. In this artwork, the reflection in the mirror creates an illusion of infinite space, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. Escher's "The Magic Mirror" represents the artist's ability to push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of art. Through his intricate compositions and optical illusions, he invites viewers to question their perception and think beyond the constraints of reality. Overall, "The Magic Mirror" is a prime example of M.C. Escher's unique artistic style and his mastery of illusion. It showcases his ability to combine mathematics, optical illusions, and paradoxes to create artworks that continue to captivate audiences today..
Reviews for "The Hidden Secrets of MC Escher's Magic Mirrors"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars
I was really disappointed with "Magic Mirror of MC Escher". The puzzle pieces were poorly cut and didn't fit together properly. It was frustrating to try and complete the puzzle when the pieces wouldn't stay in place. Additionally, the image on the puzzle was not clear and detailed like I expected from an MC Escher artwork. Overall, I was not impressed with the quality of the puzzle and would not recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 1 out of 5 stars
I found "Magic Mirror of MC Escher" to be incredibly boring. The artwork is very repetitive and lacks any depth or meaning. I was hoping for a more immersive experience with this puzzle, but instead, it left me feeling uninspired and uninterested. There are much better puzzles out there that offer more engaging images and a more enjoyable puzzle-solving experience.
3. Alex - 2 out of 5 stars
The concept behind "Magic Mirror of MC Escher" is interesting, but the execution falls flat. The puzzle pieces were flimsy and easily bent, which made it difficult to work with. The image itself was also underwhelming; it lacked the intricate details and optical illusions that I love about MC Escher's work. I was expecting a more challenging and visually stunning puzzle, but unfortunately, this one was a letdown.