Blocks of Basalt along the Sea 1919

"Blocks of Basalt along the Sea," a 1919 woodcut by M.C. Escher, captures a starkly minimalist landscape. The print utilizes bold black lines to depict a horizon and rows of basalt rock formations, suggesting the powerful forces of nature. The use of simplified forms and strong graphic lines is characteristic of Escher's early work, which was influenced by the Dutch Expressionist movement. The image's emphasis on form and texture showcases Escher's growing interest in geometric patterns, a theme he would further explore in later works.