The artwork “Bond of Union” is a lithograph created by the Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher in 1956. It is a symbolic painting that measures approximately 25.3 x 33.9 cm and belongs to the Surrealism movement. The lithograph is well known for its intricate design and thought-provoking content, characteristic of Escher’s unique artistic style.
The artwork itself is a remarkable example of Escher’s manipulation of perspective and space. It depicts two seemingly intertwined figures whose heads are unwrapped into swirling bands, floating amidst a background filled with spherical forms. The disembodied heads are both connected and separated by the spiraling ribbons that unravel around them, creating a visual puzzle that merges the human form with geometry and space. This surreal juxtaposition challenges perceptions of individual identity and union, inviting contemplation on the interplay between the self and the collective, connection and separation. The careful rendering and tonal precision contribute to the mesmerizing quality of the lithograph, making it an emblematic piece within Escher’s oeuvre.
