In collaboration with Michiel Vliegenthart - Classical Art Expert
Maurits Cornelis alias M.C. Escher, the master of optical illusion, was born on 17 June 1898 in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. His mathematically-inspired style is easily recognisable, and some of his works have graced Catawiki's Art auctions. In honour of his brilliant work, Catawiki is organising for the third time a special M.C. Escher auction that will start in September 2017. To get you inspired, our expert shares the tale of two of Escher's works that were previously sold on Catawiki and brought in impressive winning bids.
A Brief History
Escher was a Dutch artist known internationally for his almost impossible constructions, magnificent trompe l'oeils and cunning transformations. His graphic oeuvre consists of 448 lithographs, woodcuts and wood engravings and over 2000 sketches. His works are adored by millions worldwide. Early on his career he worked in a more realistic style, but his travels in Italy and Spain inspired the fantastic style that has become so associated with his name. Although mathematics inspired his work, Escher was not an excellent student. He was a very gifted artist, however. After failing his high school exams, he enrolled in architecture school, but after just one week decided that he would rather study graphic design.
Sky and Water
The iconic woodcuts that were sold on Catawiki, Sky and Water I and Sky and Water II, are excellent interplays of light and dark, where birds in the air transform into fish in the water. The result is clever and absolutely stunning. They are great examples of the Escher’s tessellation, a presentation entirely filled with uniform figures that do not overlap each other anywhere. The artist was inspired by the Moorish artworks seen in the Alhambra in Spain. The tessellated figures were abstract in the Moorish style, but in Escher’s world, the figures were mainly reptiles, birds and fish.
Signed, sealed and auctioned!
Sky and Water II is highly sought after among collectors internationally. After 80 years this woodcut is still in excellent condition, and it came to Catawiki through the descendants of the original owner. It is a so-called ‘eigen druk’, which means it was self-printed by Escher. To add to the exclusivity, it was also signed in pencil by Escher personally. This single, beautiful example sold at our auction for €19,500!
Sky and Water II
Escher or an Ironing Board
Sky and Water I is another of the most sought after woodcuts among collectors. How did this one come to Catawiki and how much did it sell for? The original owner was a technical engineer who received this woodcut in 1955 as a wedding gift from his employer. The young couple was given the choice between an ironing board or this woodcut. Naturally, Escher’s work was chosen. It sold for a very impressive €24,500! Both in terms of the joy of owning a beautiful work of art and having a fruitful investment, clearly this was a far better gift choice than an ironing board!
Whether you want to own a print for yourself or sell a woodblock online for a profit, Catawiki’s upcoming M.C. Escher Prints auction is the right destination. As you have read, we’ve had some impressive results from sales in the past, so if you own an Escher woodblock, this auction dedicated solely to his work is the place to sell it. You can register here to become a seller and already start offering up your Escher works for the auction. You can also experience the thrill of Catawiki’s weekly Art auctions by placing your bids and any one of our numerous auctions featuring beautiful works by artists worldwide.