Convex and Concave

Convex and Concave
Artist	M. C. Escher
Year	1955
Type	lithograph

Convex and Concave is a lithograph print by the Dutch artist M. C. Escher which was first printed in March, 1955.

It depicts an ornate architectural structure with many stairs, pillars and other shapes. The relative aspects of the objects in the image are distorted in such a way that many of the structure's features can be seen as both convex shapes and concave impressions. This is a very good example of Escher's mastery in creating illusion of "Impossible Architectures". The windows, roads, stairs and other shapes can be perceived as opening out in seemingly impossible ways and positions. The trick of using the cubes that appear as the motif in the Flag on right half of this print; is easily identified. One can view these features as concave by viewing the image upside-down.

Note that all additional elements and decoration on the left are consistent with a viewpoint from above, while those on the right with a viewpoint from below: hiding half the image makes it very easy to switch between convex and concave.

See also

• M. C. Escher
• Lithograph
• Printmaking

Sources

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