How to Draw an Impossible Cube

An impossible cube (sometimes called an irrational cube) is an illustration of a cube that could never exist in real life. One is present in M.C. Escher's lithograph, Belvedere, but fortunately, you don't have to be an accomplished artist to draw one. This article will teach you how to make a similar cube.

EditSteps

1. 1
   

    Draw a skinny, vertical parallelogram with the lower left corner open; from there, draw two lines going horizontally, shown in red.
   Draw a skinny, vertical parallelogram with the lower left corner open; from there, draw two lines going horizontally, shown in red.
2. 2
   

    Add two connecting lines on the right side of the parallelogram.
   Add two connecting lines on the right side of the parallelogram. They should form an "L".
3. 3
   

    Add another two lines which continue from the corner of the parallelogram but pass beneath its right edge.
   Add another two lines which continue from the corner of the parallelogram but pass beneath its right edge. The two lines then separate vertically, one going up and another going down to meet with the end of the "L".
4. 4
   

    Draw a wide "L" that follows where the two previously drawn lines part ways.
   Draw a wide "L" that follows where the two previously drawn lines part ways.
5. 5
   

    Connect the bottom end of the wide "L" with the upper right-hand corner of the parallelogram by drawing a line that goes up and then left (forming a right angle) and passes underneath any lines it comes across.
   Connect the bottom end of the wide "L" with the upper right-hand corner of the parallelogram by drawing a line that goes up and then left (forming a right angle) and passes underneath any lines it comes across.
6. 6
   

    Draw a line that begins by following the top of the parallelogram and then follows the horizontal part of the line drawn in the previous step, also passing underneath any lines it comes across.
   Draw a line that begins by following the top of the parallelogram and then follows the horizontal part of the line drawn in the previous step, also passing underneath any lines it comes across.
7. 7
   

    Complete a parallelogram at the top of the cube, this one with its upper right-hand corner open and connected to double lines drawn earlier.
   Complete a parallelogram at the top of the cube, this one with its upper right-hand corner open and connected to double lines drawn earlier.
8. 8
   

    Add a border around the whole thing.
   Add a border around the whole thing. Now there's an Escher-like cube!

EditTips

• Remember, practice makes perfect.
• You can use a ruler if you need to.
• This can be done by drawing the cube as a whole and reconnecting the cube legs, if you have an eye for detail.
• If you have trouble, try looking at the pictures to get some visuals on how it's done.

EditThings You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Time and practice
• (Optional, ruler for exact measurements)