Pentedattio Calabria October 1930 1930 by Mc Escher
Pentedattio Calabria October (1930)
A striking 1930 lithograph by Mc Escher capturing the rugged beauty of Calabria's coastline. This early work reveals Escher's mastery of perspective and pattern before his full shift to impossible architectures.
About Pentedattio Calabria October
Created during Mc Escher's formative Italian period, this 1930 lithograph documents the artist's fascination with Calabria's dramatic landscapes. The work belongs to a series of Italian prints where Escher began experimenting with multiple vanishing points and layered perspectives - techniques that would later define his mature style. Pentedattio's rocky coastline and medieval architecture provided the perfect subject for these early explorations.
The print's composition reveals Escher's meticulous observation of natural forms while hinting at the geometric obsessions to come. Unlike his later impossible constructions, this work grounds its visual tricks in real topography. The interplay of light and shadow across the textured rocks demonstrates Escher's growing command of lithography as a medium for rendering both physical detail and conceptual depth.
The Italian Years: Escher's Path to Surrealism
When Escher created Pentedattio Calabria October in 1930, he was midway through his transformative decade in Italy (1922-1935). These years marked the artist's transition from conventional landscape printing to the optical experiments that would make him famous. The Italian period allowed Escher to hone his technical skills while developing the visual language of paradox that would characterize his mature work.
What distinguishes this print from Escher's earlier Dutch landscapes is its more deliberate manipulation of perspective. The composition forces the viewer's eye through multiple layers of space, creating mild disorientation without full abstraction. This approach prefigures the impossible architectures of the 1940s and 1950s, though here the illusions remain grounded in observable reality.
Artistic Technique and Composition
Masterful Lithography
The print demonstrates Escher's growing command of lithography, particularly in his rendering of textural contrasts. The rough grain of the rocks against the smooth sky shows his ability to exploit the medium's tonal range. Escher achieved these effects through careful stone preparation and multiple ink applications, building up the image in layers.
Perspectival Innovation
While not yet the impossible spaces of his later fame, this composition employs what art historians call "compound perspective" - combining multiple viewpoints within a single image. The foreground rocks appear viewed from slightly above, while the background architecture uses a more conventional eye-level perspective. This subtle conflict creates the print's quietly unsettling effect.
Print & Frame Details
| Artist | Mc Escher |
| Original Year | 1930 |
| Art Style | Surrealism |
| Subject Matter | Coastal landscape with architecture |
| Size | 30×40 cm (12×16") |
| Print Method | Framed Poster |
| Paper | 300gsm cotton rag, archival matte finish |
| Frame | Solid ash wood, natural finish with UV-protective glazing |
| Glazing | Museum-grade acrylic with 99% UV protection |
| Shipping | Free worldwide shipping, 5-10 business days |
| Returns | 30-day return policy, no restocking fees |
Own This Piece of Art History
Bring Escher's transformative 1930 lithograph into your space with museum-quality framing and free worldwide shipping. Each print arrives ready to hang.
View This PrintInterior Design Recommendations
With its warm earth tones and intricate detailing, this 30×40 cm print makes an ideal statement piece for both traditional and modern interiors. The composition's depth works particularly well in spaces with neutral wall colors, where the print's textures can take center stage. Consider placing it in a study or living area where viewers can appreciate the subtle perspectival shifts from different angles. The medium scale allows for flexible placement - equally effective as part of a gallery wall or as a standalone focal point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of frame is included with the print?
Each print comes with a solid ash wood frame featuring a natural finish and museum-grade acrylic glazing that blocks 99% of UV light. The frame is handcrafted to complement Escher's aesthetic while protecting the print.
Where do you ship and how long does delivery take?
We offer free worldwide shipping with no minimum order. Delivery typically takes 5-10 business days depending on your location. All international shipments include tracking information.
How long will the print maintain its quality?
Our prints are produced using archival inks on cotton rag paper, with an expected lifespan of 100+ years under normal conditions. The UV-protective glazing further prevents fading from light exposure.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for any reason. The print must be in original condition. We provide return shipping labels and there are no restocking fees.
More Works by Mc Escher
Discover additional masterpieces from Escher's Italian period and beyond in our curated collection of the artist's most important prints.
You May Also Love
Ready to Bring Escher Home?
This museum-quality framed print arrives ready to hang with free worldwide shipping. Own a piece of modern art history today.
View This Print