Corte, Corsica 1933

M.C. Escher created this colored pencil drawing of Corte, Corsica, on May 23rd, 1933. The image shows a seemingly quiet townscape, but if you look closely, the composition is classically Escher. Escher was not interested in political commentary, but his work often captures a sense of unease. This can be seen in the composition of the architecture which seems to lead nowhere and is typical of his interest in mathematical anomalies. Escher's work was not always well-received by the art world. He was not part of any particular artistic movement, and his work was often seen as being too illustrative or too mathematical. It wasn’t until later in his career that his work began to gain recognition for its unique vision. To fully appreciate this work, one might study the geography of Corsica and the history of Escher's travels and personal life. The meaning of art is always contingent on its historical and social context, including the institutions that support it.