Dolphins (M. C. Escher)

"Dolphins" refers to a woodcut print created in 1967 by Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher, better known as M. C. Escher. This print is a notable example of Escher's use of tessellation, a visual concept where repeating geometric shapes interlock to cover a plane without gaps or overlaps.

In "Dolphins," Escher depicts interlocking images of dolphins and fish. The white shapes form the fish while the black shapes simultaneously form the dolphins, illustrating a figure-ground relationship where the viewer's perception can alternate between seeing either the fish or the dolphins as the dominant figure. This effect highlights Escher's fascination with infinity, symmetry, and the interplay between positive and negative space. The print showcases Escher's meticulous craftsmanship and his skillful manipulation of geometric principles to create visually intriguing and conceptually stimulating artwork. "Dolphins" is considered one of his most recognizable tessellations, frequently used to demonstrate the principles of Escher's artistic style to students and art enthusiasts.