The artwork titled “Mummified Priests in Gangi” was created by M.C. Escher in the year 1932. It belongs to the Expressionism art movement and is categorized under the still life genre.
The artwork depicts four mummified figures adorned in priestly garments, positioned within a series of four adjoining arches. These arches create a sense of architectural framing around the figures. The priests are presented in a rigid and somewhat eerie state, each with distinct garments; their facial features appear skeletal, lending a haunting atmosphere to the composition. The bottom of the artwork features the inscription “ITE MISSA EST.” The use of high contrast between light and dark areas, combined with the detailed textures of the priests’ robes and the architectural elements, showcases Escher’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create an evocative scene that engages viewers through its mysterious and somber mood.
