Escher's Father, G.A. Escher 1916

M.C. Escher made this portrait of his father, G.A. Escher, using a woodcut technique. Just one colour, a beautiful muted mauve, applied with different pressures and densities, conjures a likeness of the sitter. The grain of the wood block is evident in the print, a reminder of the hand that carved this image. The texture gives the flat planes a subtle, almost living quality, like skin or fabric. Escher's use of negative space is bold, defining the features with sharp, angular cuts. Look at the hair, the shapes left unprinted create an almost architectural grid. But the most striking aspect is the absence of detail in the eye, a dark void which leaves so much to the imagination. Escher's experimentation with line and form resonates with the work of German Expressionist printmakers like Kirchner. While Escher is best known for his mathematically inspired drawings, this portrait reminds us of his grounding in the physical process of making. It's a wonderful early example of how he sees the world - and family - in shapes.