This is the first model of the 'impossible triangle' one of a series of 'impossible figures' designed and constructed by English geneticist Lionel Penrose 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: 10327210
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, Illusion, Impossible, Impossible Figures, Impossible Staircase, M, Man-made, Man Made, Mathematical, Mathematical Models, 20th Cent, Model, Perception, Staircase, Uk, United Kingdom

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