Scholastica (Bad Dream) 1931

"Scholastica (Bad Dream)" is a 1931 woodcut by Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. Known for his surreal, mathematically-inspired works, Escher uses dark, stark lines to depict a lone figure kneeling in a dark room, holding a flickering candle. The light casts a dramatic, radial pattern that illuminates a disarray of objects and furniture, suggesting a sense of unease and confusion. This piece exemplifies Escher's early exploration of perspective and the unsettling effects of light and shadow.