René Magritte Enters the $100 Million Art Club

Renowned Belgian Surrealist artist René Magritte has recently joined a prestigious group of artists whose masterpieces have fetched more than $100 million at public auctions.

Record-Breaking Auction

During an auction night in Manhattan, Magritte's captivating artwork, "The Empire of Light," known for its intriguing portrayal of a nocturnal street beneath a sunlit sky, achieved a staggering selling price of $121.2 million. This figure, inclusive of auction fees, marks a new personal record for the artist.

The painting had been assured a minimum bid of $95 million, leading to an intense 10-minute bidding war between two participants on the phone. Ultimately, it set a new benchmark for Surrealist art in auction history and positioned Magritte as the 16th artist to surpass the landmark sum of $100 million, according to data from a French market analysis firm.

Magritte's Place Among Legendary Artists

Other artists who have reached such financial heights in art sales include luminaries like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Warhol. To date, no currently living artist has achieved a similar publication sale.

Created in 1954, "The Empire of Light" is notable not just for its size—almost five feet tall—but also for its provenance. It was the culminating piece in a series of 19 offered by Christie's from the collection of a well-known socialite and philanthropist. Among Magritte's 17 depictions of this motif, this version stands out with water in its foreground, measuring distinctively large.

Collecting Fever for Magritte

The painting's appeal was noted by art specialist Paolo Vedovi, highlighting how it has become a coveted possession for major collectors. He indicated that its impressive qualities make it potentially the finest version of the series.