This image actually violates the "Shapes and Shadows that Never Were" because these are realistic and show real depth. It shows how depth is obtained in a drawing. The highlight of the sphere corresponds to the darkest area of the sphere and with it a line can be drawn to the center of the shadow that is an ellipse because it is on a horizontal surface. The line where the vertical wall divides the horizontal plane adds to the illusion of depth. The only part that may "never have been" is the dark area with the cryptic script. It appears suspended somewhere but we really cannot tell if it is in front of or behind the sphere. As our mind scans the drawing from the shadow to sphere to cryptic script it places the script on the wall. But if we look at it even for a short while we realize that it will "float" forward to where it is between us and the sphere.
If you think these look like something that M.C. Escher would have done, I will agree. I, as well as many others have been fascinated by Escher's works for years.
All drawings are made with crayons on paper that is slightly textured.
