In a historic auction at Christie’s, René Magritte’s enigmatic masterpiece, “L’empire des lumières,” fetched an astonishing $121.16 million, solidifying its place as the most expensive Surrealist work ever sold. This stunning sale, held on November 19, capped off a year-long celebration of Surrealism’s centennial, surpassing initial estimates of $95 million after a tense bidding war that concluded in less than ten minutes.
The painting, a hallmark of Magritte’s signature exploration of contradictions, captures a tranquil house illuminated by a warm lamppost, set against a paradoxical daylight sky dotted with fluffy white clouds—a visual dissonance that evokes both peace and unease. This particular piece, hailed by experts as one of the finest in the “L’empire des lumières” series, was part of the late Mica Ertegun’s private collection. Ertegun, a celebrated interior designer and philanthropist, had a deep connection to Surrealist art, and her legacy will continue through the philanthropic initiatives funded by the auction’s proceeds.
The record-breaking sale not only underscores the enduring appeal of Magritte’s surreal vision but also highlights a growing interest in Surrealist art. Just a day earlier, another milestone for the movement occurred when Eduardo Constantini, founder of Buenos Aires Museum of Latin American Art, acquired Leonora Carrington’s sculpture “La Grande Dame” for over $11.3 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting a new benchmark for the artist’s work.
Magritte’s “L’empire des lumières” has now firmly etched itself into art history, standing as a testament to the timeless allure and provocative power of Surrealism.
