Maurits Correlis Escher was born in Leuwarden, Holland on June 17, 1898. In 1903 Escher and his family moved to Arhem. He received his first instruction in drawing at a secondary school there. Here he developed his understanding of graphics through linoleum cut techniques.

In 1928 Escher moved to Italy, stayed there for ten years, and left in 1938. After he left Italy, he changed his interests from landscapes to "mental imagery."

Escher's work went almost unnoticed until 1950. In 1956 he gave his first important exhibition. The exhibition was published in the Time Magazine, and Escher gained a worldwide reputation.

Escher's art often dealt with the theme of metamorphosis (shapes that interact and change with each other), was a "bridge between scientific world and artistic imagination, and was a combination of humor logic and precision. He usually used woodcuts. Escher was fascinated with paradors and impossible figures. He made many trips to Sicily, Corsica and Spain to study design. While in Alhambra, Spain Escher saw patterned tiles which excited him and he began repeating in his art. He started using something called tessellations, a series of one design repeated many times, and was fascinated with every kind.

In 1972 Escher died at the age of 74.