View source for Convex and Concave

{{short description|Lithograph by Dutch artist M. C. Escher}}
{{Refimprove|date=May 2010}}
{{Infobox artwork
| image_file=Convex and Concave.JPG
| title=Convex and Concave
| artist=[[M. C. Escher]]
| year=1955
| type=[[Lithography|lithograph]]
| height_metric = 27.5
| width_metric = 33.5
| metric_unit = cm
}}
'''''Convex and Concave''''' is a [[Lithography|lithograph]] print by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] artist [[M. C. Escher]], first printed in March 1955.<ref>Locher, J.L. (2000). ''The Magic of M. C. Escher''. [[Harry N. Abrams, Inc.]] {{ISBN|0-8109-6720-0}}</ref>

It depicts an ornate architectural structure with many stairs, pillars and other shapes. The relative aspects of the objects in the image are distorted in such a way that many of the structure's features can be seen as both convex shapes and concave impressions. This is a very good example of Escher's mastery in creating illusions of "impossible architecture." The [[window]]s, roads, stairs and other shapes can be perceived as opening out in seemingly impossible ways and positions. Even the image on the flag is of [[rhombille tiling|reversible cubes]]. One can view these features as concave by viewing the image upside-down.

All additional elements and decoration on the left are consistent with a viewpoint from above, while those on the right with a viewpoint from below: hiding half the image makes it very easy to switch between convex and concave.

==References==
<references/>

{{M. C. Escher|state=expanded}}
{{ACArt}}
{{printmaking-stub}}
[[Category:1955 prints]] 
[[Category:Works by M. C. Escher]]