Becoming Escher

Wonderful literary non-fiction about the genesis of the young M.C. Escher, written by his second cousin

In a nineteenth-century Chinese lacquer box of ivory puzzles, Joris Escher finds two drawings by his great uncle, the world-famous graphic artist M.C. Escher. The sheets have not seen the light of day for at least 90 years. He suspects that these early studies are a key to Escher’s development as an artist and begins a journey of discovery into the origins of his fascinations. Who was his uncle Mauk? How did he become Escher? In the footsteps of M.C. Escher, the reader is taken from Haarlem to Italy, from Japan and China to Canada, and from Spain back to Baarn. Joris Escher learns to carve himself, draws in the places where his great uncle drew, and finds countless still unknown stories, joys, friendships and connections from Escher’s life.

Through the eyes of M.C. Escher, the reader experiences his development from a young man to a graphic artist, then to an artist and finally to the Escher we all know. Becoming Escher thus turns the genius Escher back into a touchable and fallible human being.

Praise:

‘A fascinating artist biography in novel form.’ – Trouw

‘A metaphorical fugue (…). Unique. Not to be missed!’ – Michel Dutrieue, Stretto

‘You creep into Mauk’s head, but increasingly you also feel the passion and obsession of Joris [Escher] to tell this story well. He arranges his copious material with care.’ – Biografie portaal

‘For all fans of Escher, a great read.’ – Optisch fenomeen

‘Both Joris and the reader get closer to M.C. Escher, as a person and as an artist.’ – Museum Magazine

‘Becoming Escher awakens the urge to travel.’ – NRC Handelsblad