"Fire" by m.c. Escher Little Devils Authentic Woodcut

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M.C. Escher
Woodcut printed on wove paper.
"FIRE" The image's structure is designed to evoke the nature of fire, using … Read more M.C. Escher
Woodcut printed on wove paper.
"FIRE" The image's structure is designed to evoke the nature of fire, using a symmetry pattern based on glide reflection reflecting the force of fire and features fiery devils that cascade to form the overall design. M.C. Escher created two notable artworks, for the noted connoisseurs and patrons, depicting fire: a New Year's greeting card from 1955, and the "Fire" print from the "Four Elements" series in 1952, where a tessellation of devils rises like flames.

The Strens were among the Netherlands' strongest advocates of small-format prints, and these graphics were highly prized by the fortunate artists and printmakers with whom he would have exchanged these personal commissions. Escher chose as his subjects the ancient elements of earth, air, fire and water; the building blocks of all creation (also four signs of zen). Each of the four elements uses a symmetry pattern that reflects the nature of the creatures shown. Ants swarm as if on a crowded anthill, birds flutter like flags, fiery devils rise like flames, and fish cascade as if flowing over river rocks. Each print in the series not only represents a creature from that element but also is designed with a structure evocative of that force. Since they were originally commissioned and given away as holiday gifts in the 1950s, and were highly prized by the Strens, though most examples were subsequently discarded so precious few remain. See less