Oscar Reutersvärd
Encyclopedia
Oscar Reutersvärd "the father of the impossible figure", was an artist who pioneered the art of impossible object
s. These are images such as what was later renamed the Penrose triangle
that appear to depict solid objects, which, however, are impossible to construct in reality. Reutersvärd created his first impossible object in 1934.
In comparing his work to that of the much more famous artist of the impossible, M. C. Escher
, it can be observed that Escher builds inhabited worlds around impossible objects, whereas Reutersvärd's designs generally consist of pure geometric
forms.
Reutersvärd produced more than 2500 figures, all in isometric projection
. Numerous books on his works have been published in Swedish, English, Polish, and Russian.
Impossible object
An impossible object is a type of optical illusion consisting of a two-dimensional figure which is instantly and subconsciously interpreted by the visual system as representing a projection of a three-dimensional object although it is not actually possible for such an object to exist An impossible...
s. These are images such as what was later renamed the Penrose triangle
Penrose triangle
The Penrose triangle, also known as the Penrose tribar, is an impossible object. It was first created by the Swedish artist Oscar Reutersvärd in 1934. The mathematician Roger Penrose independently devised and popularised it in the 1950s, describing it as "impossibility in its purest form". It is...
that appear to depict solid objects, which, however, are impossible to construct in reality. Reutersvärd created his first impossible object in 1934.
In comparing his work to that of the much more famous artist of the impossible, M. C. Escher
M. C. Escher
Maurits Cornelis Escher , usually referred to as M. C. Escher , was a Dutch graphic artist. He is known for his often mathematically inspired woodcuts, lithographs, and mezzotints...
, it can be observed that Escher builds inhabited worlds around impossible objects, whereas Reutersvärd's designs generally consist of pure geometric
Geometry
Geometry arose as the field of knowledge dealing with spatial relationships. Geometry was one of the two fields of pre-modern mathematics, the other being the study of numbers ....
forms.
Reutersvärd produced more than 2500 figures, all in isometric projection
Isometric projection
Isometric projection is a method for visually representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions in technical and engineering drawings...
. Numerous books on his works have been published in Swedish, English, Polish, and Russian.
Recognition by Swedish postage stamps
Reutersvärd's achievements were honoured in 1982 by a series of three Swedish postage stamps. The stamps were engraved by the famous engraver Czesław Słania, based on watercolours by Reutersvärd. They remained in circulation for only about two years, after which they were withdrawn when the postage rate was changed. The Swedish government had the unused stamps destroyed; these scarce items are now eagerly sought collectibles.External links
- Homepage Cz.Slania's Engravings showing Swedish stamps.
- Art of Reutersvard
- Reutersvard Art
- Reutersvard's impossible figures