“Nocturnal Rome,” created by M.C. Escher in 1934, is a surrealistic cityscape that belongs to the series “Nocturnal Rome.” The artwork captures an enigmatic, grid-like rendition of Rome’s cityscape under the cover of night.
The artwork presents a striking, high-contrast depiction of Rome, with elements of the city defined through meticulous, grid-like patterns. The roofs and domes of buildings prominently feature through Escher’s distinctive use of light and shadow, which enhances the surreal atmosphere. The interplay of white lights punctuates the scene, adding a sense of depth and mystique to the nocturnal setting. The geometric precision and dramatic contrasts exemplify Escher’s unique approach to combining realism and abstraction, resulting in a visually captivating and thought-provoking representation of Rome by night.
