This is the first model of the 'impossible staircase' one of a series of 'impossible figures' designed by English geneticist Lionel Penrose FRS (1898-1972) in the 1950s. Penrose's discovery of the 'impossible figure' laid the foundation for the scientific study of illusions and investigations into the psychology of human perception. The Dutch artist M C Escher (1898-1972) was heavily influenced by Penrose's discovery, and incorporated an 'impossible triangle' into his well known 'Waterfall' lithograph.

Picture Reference: 10210224
Subject: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY > Mathematics > Mathematical Models, 20Th Century
Inventory No.: 1982-0899
Credit: Science Museum

Keywords: 1950s, 1900s, 20th Century, C, Century, Escher, Escher, M C, Europe, Exton, David, Figure, Figures, Figurine, Figurines, Illusions, Impossible, Impossible Figures, Impossible Staircase, M, Man-made, Man Made, Mathematical, Mathematical Models, 20th Cent, Model, Penrose, Lionel Sharples, Perception, Staircase, Uk, United Kingdom

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