Suddenly, in the last twelve years of Escher’s work we find a series of five mandalas. Escher is working independently. He is not being paid by anyone or any organization to create Verbum or the five mandalas that follow.
Circle Limit 1, executed in 1958, depicts an infinite number of fish. It is crude, but the fish is readable. At the center of this mandala are six fish. Three white fish and three black fish. As we move radially outward in the mandala the fish are multiplied into an infinite number of black and white fish. The mandala calls to mind the multiplication of the fish and bread when Jesus fed the multitudes, but I don’t believe that was Escher’s intention.
With this print, Escher shows us that he has found a way to visually express the infinite in a circular composition. This was his goal with the print. Having gone through the exercise myself I appreciate how much thought and effort went into this work.
Circle Limit 2, executed in the following year, depicts an infinite number of crosses. The cross is a common Christian symbol for Jesus. Escher was aware of this and states: “Really, this version ought to be painted on the inside surface of a half-sphere. I offered it to Pope Paul, so that he could decorate the inside of the cupola of St. Peter’s with it. Just imagine an infinite number of crosses hanging above your head! But Paul didn’t want it.”
In this print, a single cross is in the center of the print. The crosses are multiplied as we move out radially from the center. In essence, this is a perfect mandala to capture the Great Commission, i.e., that we are to spread the work and teachings of Christ throughout the world.
Note that Escher has added a color to this print. In addition to the black and white elements, there is red. In Christianity red is the color used to designate the blood sacrifice made by Jesus.
It is interesting that once Escher had discovered a way to express the infinite in his art he followed it up with the cross motif. We will again find a spiritual element in the next two mandalas Escher creates. This will be discussed in part 6.