Roterodamus

Roterodamus is a fictional character created by the Dutch artist M.C. Escher. The name "Roterodamus" is a portmanteau of the Dutch words "Rotterdam" and "Adam," reflecting Escher's hometown and the biblical figure Adam. The character first appeared in Escher's 1936 lithograph "Drawing Hands," where Roterodamus is depicted as a man with hands that are also drawing. This self-referential artwork is a classic example of Escher's use of mathematical principles and impossible objects to create visually stunning and intellectually engaging pieces.

In "Drawing Hands," Roterodamus is shown drawing a circle with his right hand while his left hand is drawing the circle itself. This recursive action creates a mesmerizing visual effect, where the hands and the circle seem to defy the laws of physics. The artwork has become an iconic representation of Escher's work and is often cited as a prime example of his innovative use of perspective and geometry.

Roterodamus has also appeared in other works by Escher, such as "Relativity" and "Metamorphosis I," where he is depicted in various contexts, further emphasizing the character's recurring presence in the artist's oeuvre. Despite being a fictional character, Roterodamus has become a symbol of Escher's artistic genius and a beloved figure in the world of art and mathematics.