Metamorphosis I

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Metamorphosis I

M. C. Escher, 1937

woodcut, 19.5 × 90.8 cm

Metamorphosis I is a woodcut print by the Dutch artist M. C. Escher which was first printed in May, 1937. This piece measures 7 5/8 x 35 3/4” and is printed on two sheets.

The concept of this work is to morph one image into a tessellated pattern, then to gradually alter the outlines of that pattern to become an altogether different image. From left to right, the image begins with a depiction of the coastal Italian town of Atrani (see Atrani, Coast of Amalfi). The outlines of the architecture then morph to a pattern of three dimensional blocks. These blocks then slowly become a tessellated pattern of cartoon like figures in oriental attire.

[edit] See also

• M. C. Escher
• Metamorphosis II
• Metamorphosis III
• Atrani, Coast of Amalfi
• Regular Division of the Plane
• Tessellation
• Woodcut
• Printmaking

[edit] Sources

• Locher, J.L. (2000). The Magic of M. C. Escher. Harry N. Abrams, Inc. ISBN 0-8109-6720-0.