St. Francis preaching to the Birds 1922

M.C. Escher made "St. Francis preaching to the Birds" as a woodcut, meaning the image is carved from wood. The black and white enforces the design, and you can really see all the individual marks that comprise the image. In the bottom left corner we see a bird which stands alone, seemingly away from the crowd of birds gathered on the left. The bird is in profile, but the eye is still visible, looking off in the direction that St Francis is gesturing. The markings which render the feathers are so intricate and detailed. What is interesting is how the artist uses tone and shape to create the image. Escher’s work reminds me a little of the graphic novel artist Lynd Ward, who also made images by carving wood. Ultimately, the piece demonstrates how an image can be achieved through mark making, carving and inking.