M.C. Escher (1898-1972)
Strens Suite of Four Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Sky), 1952
Woodcut
6.12 x 5.75 in (15.54 x 14.60 cm)
Price on Request
Limited-edition
All individually initialed "MCE" in the plate
Catalogue raisonné: Bool #382,383,384,385
© The M.C. Escher Company B.V.
Escher created the “Four Elements” suite for the noted connoisseurs and patrons, Eugène and Willy Strens. 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 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, most examples were subsequently discarded so precious few remain.
Escher created the “Four Elements” suite for the noted connoisseurs and patrons, Eugène and Willy Strens. 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 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, most examples were subsequently discarded so precious few remain.