René Magritte

René Magritte (born 1898 in Lessines, Belgium; died 1967 in Brussels) was a leading figure in 20th-century Surrealism, known for his witty and thought-provoking imagery that challenged observers’ perceptions of reality. Working principally in Belgium throughout his life, Magritte developed a distinctive visual language that juxtaposed ordinary objects in unexpected contexts, often incorporating motifs such as bowler hats, clouds, green apples, and veiled faces. His preferred medium was oil on canvas, and his work frequently explored themes of illusion, language, and the unstable relationship between objects and their representations. Magritte’s art is held in major public collections worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art (New York), Tate (London), and the Centre Pompidou (Paris). While he did not receive major awards during his lifetime, his critical reputation grew substantially posthumously, securing his place in the canon of modern art. The market for Magritte’s work is considered highly liquid, with his paintings regularly achieving record prices at auction and attracting strong demand from both private collectors and institutions, reflecting his enduring influence and high standing in the global art market.