M. C. Escher born — 1898

On JUN 22, 1898, Maurits Cornelis Escher was born in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.

Though initially trained as an architect, Escher would become one of the most celebrated graphic artists of the twentieth century, known for his mathematically inspired woodcuts, lithographs, and mezzotints. His works depicted impossible constructions, explorations of infinity, and interlocking geometric patterns that captivated both artists and mathematicians. Pieces like Relativity, Drawing Hands, and Ascending and Descending blur the boundaries between art and mathematics, transforming perspective and spatial relationships into mesmerizing visual puzzles that continue to influence designers, illustrators, and digital artists worldwide.

For artists working today, Escher's legacy endures as a reminder that technical precision and wild imagination need not be at odds.