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Penrose stairway
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Penrose stairway
Penrose stairway. This is an impossible figure created by the physicist Roger Penrose and used by M C Escher in his illustration " Ascending and Descending". The staircase loops back to join itself whilst still appearing to have steps of the same size throughout, all going in one vertical direction. This is an example of an object which can be drawn but not created
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6439833
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ambiguity Ambiguous Illusion Illusory Impossible Figure Impossible Object Neuroscience Optical Illusion Perception Psychology Trick Trickery Vision Vision Visual Visual Trick
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing Penrose Stairway, an impossible figure conceptualized by physicist Roger Penrose and famously illustrated by M. C. Escher in his masterpiece "Ascending and Descending". The intricate staircase depicted here defies conventional logic as it seamlessly loops back onto itself while maintaining the illusion of uniform steps, all seemingly ascending or descending in a single vertical direction. The Penrose Stairway exemplifies an enigmatic object that can be flawlessly drawn but cannot exist in reality. Its existence resides solely within the realm of trickery, vision, psychology, and perception. This ambiguous visual creation plays with our senses, challenging our understanding of what is possible. As an optical illusion deeply rooted in neuroscience and illusory phenomena, this visual trick has fascinated generations with its mind-bending nature. It serves as a testament to the power of human perception and highlights how easily our minds can be deceived by cleverly crafted illusions. Through this remarkable photograph from Science Photo Library, we are reminded of M. C. Escher's genius for transforming abstract concepts into tangible art forms. The Penrose Stairway continues to captivate viewers worldwide with its paradoxical allure—a symbol of both artistic brilliance and scientific curiosity.
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