''Hand with Reflecting Sphere'', also known as ''Self-Portrait in Spherical Mirror'', is a

lithograph Lithography () is a planographic method of printing originally based on the miscibility, immiscibility of oil and water. The printing is from a stone (lithographic limestone) or a metal plate with a smooth surface. It was invented in 1796 by ...

by Dutch artist

M. C. Escher Maurits Cornelis Escher (; ; 17 June 1898 – 27 March 1972) was a Dutch graphic artist who made woodcuts, lithography, lithographs, and mezzotints, many of which were Mathematics and art, inspired by mathematics. Despite wide popular int ...

, first printed in January 1935. The piece depicts a hand holding a reflective sphere. In the reflection, most of the room around Escher can be seen, and the hand holding the sphere is revealed to be Escher's. Self-portraits in reflective, spherical surfaces are common in Escher's work. In much of his self-portraiture of this type, Escher is in the act of drawing the sphere, whereas in this image he is seated and gazing into it. On the walls there are several framed pictures, one of which appears to be of an Indonesian shadow puppet.

Sources

*Locher, J.L. (2000). ''The Magic of M. C. Escher''. Harry N. Abrams, Inc. . {{printmaking-stub Self-portraiture Works by M. C. Escher 1935 paintings Self-portraits Mirrors in art

See also

Sources