Division - M.C. Escher

A classic 1956 lithograph by M.C. Escher featuring a complex, circular tessellation of interlocking lizard figures.

M.C. Escher, a Dutch graphic artist, produced this lithograph in 1956. The work belongs to his series of periodic tilings, which he referred to as regular divisions of the plane. Escher drew inspiration from the geometric patterns he observed in the Alhambra in Spain, subsequently developing his own system for creating interlocking figures that fill a two-dimensional space without gaps or overlaps. In this specific composition, the artist employs a circular format to contain a repeating pattern of lizard-like creatures. The figures are arranged in a radial symmetry, with their bodies interlocking to form a continuous, tessellated surface. Escher uses a strict black and white palette to define the boundaries of each form, ensuring that the positive and negative spaces remain balanced throughout the design. The creatures appear to emerge from the centre and expand towards the edges, where the pattern is truncated by the circular border. Escher approached his work with a mathematical rigour, often spending months calculating the geometric properties required to achieve such precise tessellations. This print demonstrates his ability to combine logical structure with visual play. The viewer is invited to trace the path of individual figures as they rotate and repeat across the plane. By avoiding traditional perspective, Escher forces the eye to focus on the flat, repetitive nature of the surface. The result is a study in symmetry and order, reflecting the artist's interest in the relationship between mathematics and visual representation. This piece remains a clear example of his technical skill in lithography, where the contrast between ink and paper creates a sharp, clean image that emphasises the geometric logic of the design.