Escher’s Columns Illusion

I got this photo some time ago, which was sent to me by one of our fans (who else), and even though it struck me as an awesome real-life optical illusion, I hesitated posting it online as it was obvious there has been some heavy photoshopping involved.

Never the less, I think the illusion in its essence is perfect. Moreover, it became even more interesting when I noticed the second illusion it hides. It took me few moments before I realized that the central column isn’t the only Escheresque object present. Perhaps it’s central placement and focus distracts people’s attention from noticing the second illusion, which isn’t much different itself.

How long did it take you to realize them both? There were some other posts on this site, that showcased real-life Escher Columns in action as well. Unfortunately, I can’t decide which were the best cases. Help me, and post a link (or attach image to your comment, if you wish) to your favorite ones!

35 Replies to “Escher’s Columns Illusion”

    1. well, the first one is that the central column, it’s on top of the others if u look at the top, but u can see it behind them.
      i think the second one is that the two columns on the right look like one…

      p.s. isn’t that a puffle picture from club penguin??

    2. Awesome! The first one is the fact that the middle column is psyco, the second is that there’s two columns hidden in the last one!

  1. Is it just the middle column and the one on the left? It looks pretty good but I’ve seen so many of these from Escher it’s become the same thing but on a different picture.

  2. is it one of those impossible things?

    like when you look at the middle tube, at the top,it closer than the other two tubes,

    but when you look at the bottom of the middle tube, the tube is placed at the back of the other two tubes, which is impossible?

    i dunno actually XDD

  3. The middle column is in the foreground at the top, but the background at the bottom, and then the column to the left is in the background at the top and foreground at the bottom.

  4. the first illusion is that the column is it is attached to a column that is ‘behind’ it, but it is also to the side of it.
    second illusion i think, is it makes a figure of some sort between the columns, just a guess

  5. Well there is the first column which looks like it starts at the top of an arch closet to us but the bottom end on the far side of the room. The second one is similar. the left column starts at the top from the back wall and ends on the floor close to us

  6. Yes, the first two illusions are the middle and right columns, but nobody has mentioned that the floor is not solid. The center of the floor is open making the area the columns sit on a wall, not a floor.

    Am I the only one that sees this?

  7. Have a look at the arches, they are another story! Married of course to the columns illusion. I think! Like it tho! Keep looking at it, more seems to happen.

  8. Many are saying that the two columns are the two illusions but I would assume that the two columns are one illusion and there is something else for the second?!?

    1. Ah! Now I see it… The first and middle column are one illusion and if you look closely there is another. Size matters.

  9. I really can’t see anything that I would call a 2nd illusion… ok, the size of the columns according to their distance is wrong as well as their placement, but this count as the same illusion to me. And the 2 columns on the right probably are too close to be separated, but it’s difficult to tell from this angle.

  10. did any one notice the blue wall over lapping the middle column (bottom left middle column). yes! ; ?!!

  11. an other trick how they got the columns insde the building. also ic it done with collored chalk? : |

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