of the impossible, M. C. Escher, it can be observed that Escher builds inhabited worlds around impossible objects, whereas Reutersvärd's designs generally consist of pure geometric forms. Reutersvärd produced more than 2,500 figures. In the late 1960s, several books were published featuring his work, and he attracted a following, with many international gallery exhibitions. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he continued to develop impossible figures, filling many notebooks. Finally, in the mid 1990s, his work was prominently commissioned for several public buildings in Sweden, and the National Museum of Sweden and Museum of Modern Art of Stockholm both displayed his work. Today both mathematicians and psychologists use his drawings as templates for studying visual perception. In addition to his development of impossible figures, he was a designer of many public works in Sweden, including large sculptures, mazes and architectural features. Oscar Reutersvärd gave at the Conference Incontri con la matematica (Mathematical Conference held annually, since 1986, in Castel San Pietro Terme, Bologna, Italy) the ability to use his figures for the publications annually made for the Conference. Swedish postage stamps Reutersvärd's achievements were honoured in 1982 by a series of three Swedish postage stamps. The stamps were engraved by Czesław Słania, based on watercolours by Reutersvärd. They remained in circulation for only about two years, after which they were withdrawn when the postage rate was changed. The Swedish government had the unused stamps destroyed; these scarce items are now eagerly sought collectibles. References External links "Sweden 1982–1985". Homepage Cz.Slania's Engravings. (The stamps include three with designs by Reutersvärd.) "Art of Reutersvard". Illusion Works. Jason Mathews. "Oscar Reutersvärd". Handyman's Garage. "Oscar Reutersvärd". Impossible World. Bruno D'Amore. "O. Reutersvärd". Incontri con la Matematica. First published 2000. Swedish artists Swedish nobility 1915 births 2002 deaths Artists from Stockholm Academic staff of Lund University