Side view of the Magritte Museum in Brussels (viewed from Place Royale). Photo: Shutterstock
Few artists have managed to sell a work for a three-digit million sum. In New York, René Magritte rose to fame. Previously there was a duel in the auction house.
A painting by Belgian artist René Magritte has been sold in New York for a record price. According to the Christie’s auction house, an anonymous buyer secured the work “L’Empire des lumières” for 121.2 million dollars (almost 115 million euros) after ten minutes of bidding with a second interested party.
According to official information, this makes it the most expensive surrealist painting ever sold – and also a record for Magritte himself, who broke the $100 million mark for the first time.
In “L’Empire des lumières”, in German roughly “The Reign of Lights”, Magritte fascinates with a play of day and night. While the lower half of the picture shows a masterfully staged, dark street that is illuminated by a lantern in front of a house, a bright blue sky with white clouds shines above. This contrast, famous in the art world, was now worth a fortune to a bidder.
Ivating. Magritte masterfully plays with the viewer’s perception, inviting them to question reality and explore themes of duality. The piece’s distinctive use of light and shadow, combined with its dreamlike imagery, reflects his ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. This painting stands out within his body of work as it encapsulates his philosophical inquiries into existence and perception, reinforcing his position as a pivotal figure in the surrealist movement.
Guest 1: Art Expert.
Editor: Welcome Art Expert! Thank you for joining us today. Could you please tell us your thoughts on the recent sale of René Magritte’s “L’Empire des lumières” for $121.2 million in New York? As an expert in the field of art, what do you think about the significance of this sale and the impact it could have on the art market?
Art Expert: Thank you for having me. This sale is certainly remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, Magritte’s work has always been highly sought after, but this price tag sets a new record for a surrealist painting at auction. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of his style and the growing demand for it in the market. Additionally, the fact that two parties were bidding on the piece indicates a high level of interest from collectors and investors alike. The sale could potentially inspire more interest in surrealist art and lead to increased valuations for other works in the genre.
Editor: What do you think about the role of Christie’s auction house in this sale? How do you see their involvement in the art world’s dynamic, and what do they contribute to the market?
Art Expert: Christie’s auction house is one of the most prominent and respected art auctioneers in the world. They have played a significant role in shaping the art market by setting price benchmarks and bringing together buyers and sellers. Their marketing efforts and expertise in evaluating artworks contribute greatly to the sale’s success. By showcasing and promoting Magritte’s work, they were able to attract both casual and serious collectors, ultimately resulting in this record-breaking sale.
Editor: Moving on to the painting itself, “L’Empire des lumières”, what do you make of the artistic elements and technique used in this piece? How does it reflect Magritte’s style, and what makes it distinctive within his body of work?
Art Expert: “L’Empire des lumières” is a quintessential example of Magritte’s surrealist style. The contrast between the dark street and the bright sky creates an illusionary effect that is both disorienting and capt
