Correspondence with M.C. Escher

Artist M.C. Escher described the image above as follows: "Grey rectangular fields develop upwards into silhouettes of white and black birds; the black ones are flying towards the left and the white ones towards the right, in two opposing format…

Artist M.C. Escher described the image above as follows: "Grey rectangular fields develop upwards into silhouettes of white and black birds; the black ones are flying towards the left and the white ones towards the right, in two opposing formations. To the left of the picture the white birds flow together and merge to form a daylight sky and landscape. To the right the black birds melt together into night. The day and night land­scapes are mirror images of each other, united by means of the grey fields out of which once again the birds emerge "

This is the letter Kurt received from Escher in reply to an inquiry.

This is the letter Kurt received from Escher in reply to an inquiry.

This is the translation of Escher's letter, also found in Kurt's archives.

Van Heemstra Laan 28
Baarn (Holland)
Telephone 2926

Baarn, 17 september 1962.

Dear Mr. von Meier,

I am replying to your letter of 10th April only now because I have been ill for five months.

It is gratifying to know that you and Professor Forder are interested in my work from the point: relation mathematics - art. Time and time again I am surprised that this relation proves to be so strong, the more though because I never had a theoretic-mathematical~ training, except - long ago - as a student at a Dutch High School.

Especially Crystallographers are interested in my work. Just as an example: I was invited by the Unionof Crystallography to give a lecture with colour slides of my graphic prints during the International Congres of Crystallographers, being the only artist amongst 2,000 scientific participants. (August 1960, Cambridge England). That same year, in October, I was invited to give a similar lecture for the- M.I.T. in Cambridge, Mass. U.S.A.

What else would you like me to tell? Should you wish to have explanation on a few points, please write to me. The preface of the book "The Graphic Work •••••• " gives quite a lot of information.

Are you really interested in catalogue No. 118 of the StedelijIc Museum? I will Send you a copy by surface mail. Willing to give you any other information.

Yours faithfully,
(sgd) M. C. Escher.