M.C. Escher (artist) Dutch, 1898 - 1972 Contrast (Order and Chaos), 1950 lithograph sheet: 36.9 x 37.4 cm (14 1/2 x 14 3/4 in.) Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Julius S. Piver All M.C. Escher works © Cordon Art-Baarn-the Netherlands. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 1984.31.2

From the Tour: M.C. Escher — Life and Work
Object 21 of 24

Escher described this print as a symbol of order and chaos: order represented by the polyhedron and the translucent sphere; chaos depicted by the surrounding broken and crumpled cast-off objects of daily life. The artist believed the polyhedron (a solid figure with many sides) symbolized beauty, order, and harmony in the universe. Yet, he rendered chaos with equal care, as in the exquisitely drawn sardine can at upper left.

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