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After about ten minutes of battle at Rockefeller Center, the work was sold for just $121,160,000 (commissions and taxes included), maximum amount for a work of surrealismwhich also makes it the 11th most expensive painting in the history of public auctions, according to the AFP database.
This painting is part of a series of untitled paintings by the Belgian painter (1898-1967) symbolizing the play of light and shadow that he loved so much. It represents the paradoxical image of a house at night, lit only by a street lamp, under a blue sky during the day.
“The Exorcist”
It is “Empire of Lights”. Magritte’s much-discussed subjectas four of the five paintings by the Belgian master that exceeded $30 million at auction were part of this series. This was especially true for the previous auction record for a work by René Magritte (79 million in 2022).
The picture inspired the American director William Friedkin for the famous horror film “The Exorcist” (1973). It was part of the private collection of Mica Ertegun, an interior designer who fled communist Romania to the United States, where she was an influential figure in the art world. She died at the age of 97 at the end of 2023, she was the wife of Ahmet Ertegun, the music mogul who founded the record company Atlantic Records, who was famous for having “signed” Led Zeppelin.
The popularity of the surrealist artist has recently exploded according to AFP data, since his five auctions exceeded $30 million all achieved over the past three years.
A moment of silence
The sale of “The Empire of Lights” was expected to be the main event of this week of fall sales in New York, while the art market has slowed down since 2023, after a record festival in 2022 emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
Christie’s, an auction company controlled by Artémis, a holding company of the Pinault familyannounced sales of $2.1 billion in the first half of 2024, down for the second consecutive year after reaching a peak of $4.1 billion in 2022.
2024-11-22 10:21:00
#René #Magritte #joins #million #club #work #sold #million #York
* **What is the significance of Rene Magritte’s “Empire of Lights” in the art world?** [[1](https://apnews.com/article/magritte-auction-christies-new-york-fb1a4db60df6bcc30eaae67e439486d7)]
## World Today News: Exclusive Interview on the Record-Breaking Sale of Magritte’s “Empire of Lights”
**Introduction:**
Good morning and welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re delving into the stunning recent auction of Rene Magritte’s iconic work, “Empire of Lights,” which shattered records and reignited the conversation surrounding the enduring power of Surrealism.
Joining us are two distinguished guests:
* **Dr. Amelia Thorne**: Art historian specializing in 20th-century European art, with a particular focus on the Surrealist movement.
* **Mr. George Bell**: Renowned art collector and auctioneer, with extensive experience in high-value art transactions.
Let’s begin our discussion.
**Section 1: The Power of Surrealism**
* **Dr. Thorne,** “Empire of Lights” exemplifies Magritte’s signature Surrealist style, juxtaposing ordinary objects in unusual contexts. What makes this particular piece so captivating, and how does it embody the core principles of Surrealism?
* **Mr. Bell,** from an auction perspective, what drives the enduring appeal of Surrealism in the contemporary art market? Why do collectors continue to seek out masterpieces like Magritte’s “Empire of Lights”?
**Section 2: Breaking Records and the Art Market Landscape**
* **Mr. Bell,** the sale of ”Empire of Lights” set a new record for a Surrealist work, fetching a staggering $121 million. What does this sale signal about the current state of the art market, particularly in light of its recent slowdown?
* **Dr. Thorne,** with Magritte’s work consistently commanding top dollar, does this signify a renewed interest in Surrealism, or is it part of a broader trend towards investing in established masters?
**Section 3: ”Empire of Lights” – A Legacy of Inspiration**
* **Dr. Thorne,** “Empire of Lights” is known to have inspired the iconic film “The Exorcist.” How does this connection highlight the broader cultural influence of Magritte’s work beyond the art world?
* **Mr. Bell,** what are your insights into the story behind the painting, particularly its connection to Mica Ertegun and her legacy as a prominent figure in the art world?
**Section 4: The Future of Magritte and the Lasting Impact of Surrealism**
* **Dr. Thorne,** looking ahead, how do you see Magritte’s artistic legacy evolving in the coming years? Will his work continue to resonate with future generations?
* **Mr. Bell,** in your opinion, what factors will drive the value of Surrealist art in the future? Will we see more record-breaking sales like the one we witnessed with “Empire of Lights”?
**Conclusion:**
We thank Dr. Thorne and Mr. Bell for their illuminating insights into this momentous art sale and the enduring power of Surrealism. Their perspectives shed light on the profound impact of art on the cultural landscape and why certains masterpieces, like ”Empire of Lights,” continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
