Activity #2: Write About It! Design Elements

In 1655 Rembrandt van Rijn created “Abraham’s Sacrifice,” an ink drawing on paper. Later, M.C. Escher created a lithograph in 1943 called “Reptiles.” Both artists employ the visual elements of design, both similarly and differently, to create appealing masterpieces.

Both artists make use lines. A line is a path traced by a moving point (Getlein, 82). Escher uses implied lines, figures or objects spaced closely enough that our minds connect them (86), to exhibit motion. A figure is the shape we detach and focus on (89). The lizards themselves act as a “dotted line” that creates a circle as they morph from imagination to reality and back again. In contrast, Rembrandt utilizes implied lines to portray direction of light entering the picture and contour lines can be seen in the outline the figures of Abraham, his son Isaac and the angel. Contour lines are the boundaries we perceive of three-dimensional forms (83).

Also portrayed in both works is the design element of light; though used for the same reason, different techniques are utilized. Escher uses a technique called chiaroscuro. It is a technique that employs shades of lights and darks, known as value (92), to record contrasts of light and shadow in the natural world (92). Escher uses this to create shadow and light direction in his work. However, Rembrandt uses hatching and cross hatching to portray the same effect. Hatching is the use of closely spaced parallel lines (93) and cross-hatching is a technique that uses additional lines laid on top of the first set to achieve darker values (93). Through these techniques, Rembrandt is also able to produce shadow, apparant beneath the angel's wing, and light direction.

The design elements of shape and pattern are present in Escher’s work. Shape is defined as a two-dimensional form that occupies and area with identifiable boundaries (87). In “Reptiles” Escher makes use of implied shape. Notice the shape that the lizards seem to create as the travel in and out of the pattern is that of a circle. Pattern is any decorative, repetitive motif or design (105). The tessellation that the lizards seem to crawl out of is an example of pattern.

Both artists employ the design elements of line and light in their masterpieces. Escher also uses pattern and shape. Although both works used the same elements, they produced completely different works that are both visually intriguing and interesting.


Note: All sources are from the Living With Art textbook.