Dear George Arnold Escher, March 30, 1972
It pains me greatly to report the passing of one of our century's most well liked artist, respectable mathematician, loving husband, and for you, your humble son. I hope that you are well, but am saddened to inform you of his death, for he fell ill and couldn't conquer this sickness that his doctors called cancer. I must say that even after decades of marriage, at the closure to his life, he secluded himself greatly from his friends and even our family. This aspect saddens me more, but from the mumbles in his sleep, I could tell that he was attempting to grapple with the pain of his illness. I know that you, or Sarah Escher, have not seen your son for some time, but I am so proud to have called Maurits my husband. Can you believe the career your little Mauk had, I knew he cherished that nickname, ranging from impossible perspective pieces, to incorporating geometry, and fiddling with the two dimensional plane? His art truly stands on it's own, but I feel so pleased that I went on this
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| Drawing Hands, my 2nd favorite piece. |
artistic journey with him; I saw him marvel at Alhambra, and frown at the landscapes in the Italian countryside, thinking about what he could do to blow the viewer's mind with a seemingly weird viewpoint. From his tiny charcoal sketches, to his intricate wood works, and everything in-between, I have watched Escher grow, and intensify his technique and care for his work. I wonder if he has always been so pessimistic about the quality of his art, perhaps it started when he was a young boy, but until his death, he continued to fix and re-make his last piece of art. It is called Snakes and he printed it tirelessly and continually for the last years of his life. I have to say that it is my favorite piece, with my
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| My husbands last piece, "Snakes". |
second favorite being Drawing Hands. In addition to his art, I find it crazy that we have lived through two heartbreaking world wars. We moved as a family multiple times due to Escher's desire to keep our family safe and in a war-free zone, and he did try to stay out of all of the politics and opinions about the wars. It seemed as though all of the chaos from the wars forced him to look inward, and find the strength to finish his art pieces. I feel so lucky to have been married to this wonderful man, and am so proud that in the end, he published his notebook. He swore years ago that the book was solely for his own reference, and not to be shown to others. Escher had a change in heart when he realized that his math could help others, and it would further the connection between mathematics and art. He has given me an abundance of things to be proud of, and although I am very sad currently, I am so appreciative for the life he gave me. In addition, I am sure that within the coming years, the true amazement and appreciation for my love's work will become known. I hope that his techniques will soon be marveled at not only from an artistic point of view, but also from a highly technical mathematical perspective. Our sons and I have decided to feature some of his works in the Hague museum, and are considering selling some to Cordon Art, but I will leave my children with that decision.
What your son has done with his life is truly remarkable, and although he didn't follow your desired career path, I hope that you are just as proud of him as I am. I send my condolences for the loss of your son as well.
Sincerely his loving wife,
Jetta Umiker
Greetings Jetta,
ReplyDeleteI am deeply saddened to hear of your husband’s death. I too recently lost my father who contributed greatly to my pursuit of mathematics, enrolling me in math classes at a young age to become a merchant, though I soon realized my love of math. Maurits was a great friend to me through times of trouble and I sent him letters quite frequently. His contributions of art will never be forgotten, and The Hague is so lucky to display them. The way Maurits incorporated math and geometry in his paintings inspired many artists to do the same. Snakes was also my favorite print. He wrote many letters to me from the Alhambra where he never stopped marveling at the beauty of the tapestries and art pieces on the wall.
I am wondering how old Maurits was? Telling from our last correspondence he was about sixty. Did ever mention how he would write me descriptions of his home life and how much he loved you and the children?
My condolences,
Fibonacci
Hello Jetta,
ReplyDeleteIt brings me great dispair to hear that a mind such as your husband's has been lost. He was a truly inspirational artist. I recall when I first saw one of his pieces, it changed the way I viewed geometry, yanking me out of my sterile laboratory view of it and illuminating it with the beauty that it secretly has. However with every tragedy there must be a silver lining, and the news that your husband did indeed publish his notebook lifts my spirits. I have been very curious to see the process your husband went through, to see the mind behind his genius artwork. I think he is correct about fostering a connection between art and mathematics. His notebook will likely bridge the gap for other young souls destined to follow a similar path. I do wonder: after the completion of "Snakes", how many of these marvelous pieces had your husband made?
I offer my deepest condolences.
Best wishes,
David Hilbert