The artwork, titled “Sengela, Malta,” was created by M.C. Escher in 1935. It belongs to the Surrealism movement and falls under the genre of marina, focusing on maritime themes.
The artwork portrays a detailed and precise view of a harbor, characteristic of Escher’s intricate style. Dominated by a large ship docked in the foreground, several smaller boats accompany the vessel, all illustrated with a meticulous attention to detail. The background features a densely built cityscape, likely representing Senglea, Malta, with its layered buildings and notable architectural elements. The city’s structures rise above the calm waters, illustrating Escher’s masterful use of perspective to create depth and dimension. The scene is further enriched by the presence of a solid stone fortification on the right, showcasing robust, angular lines. This combination of nautical and architectural elements encapsulates a serene yet complex view of a coastal city, rendered with Escher’s signature precision and surrealistic undertones.