The Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte’s work, believed to be a tribute to Vermeer, is among the key items for auction at Sotheby’s “Surrealism and its Legacy” sale in Paris on March 15th. Magritte’s La Leçon de Musique, from a Belgian private collection, is estimated to sell for €2.3m to €3.5m and takes its title from a painting by Vermeer from 1665. The picture is known for recurring themes in Magritte’s art, depicting isolated body parts and objects suspended in the sky. It’s also the only known oil version of the image and was acquired directly from the artist.
Art historians have drawn parallels between Magritte’s and Vermeer’s techniques, particularly their use of the illusionistic trompe l’oeil effect. Sotheby’s hopes to capitalize on the popularity of surrealism, following the success of last year’s 23-lot sale in Paris, which made €33m with 96% sold by lot. The total estimate for this year’s sale is €20m to €30m.
Other notable works up for auction include Francis Picabia’s Nova, estimated to be €2.5m to €3.5m, once owned by Marcel Duchamp. The sale also includes pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and Yves Tanguy, with 70% of the lots making their international auction debut and coming from private collections in various countries.
The sale of La Leçon de Musique highlights the continued interest in surrealism and its impact on the art world. Magritte’s style, characterized by his use of everyday objects in unexpected ways, has made him one of the most recognizable surrealist artists of the 20th century. His work has been celebrated for its ability to challenge the viewer’s perceptions and question reality.
Sotheby’s has a long history of selling important works by surrealist artists; this sale is no exception. The auction house expects strong interest from collectors and art enthusiasts alike for this rare opportunity to own a piece by one of the movement’s most celebrated artists.
In addition to La Leçon de Musique, the upcoming auction will feature works by other artists influenced by surrealism, including Francis Picabia’s Nova. The result, seen as a celebration of women and a harbinger of mass industrialization, is expected to fetch a high price due to its historical significance.
Sotheby’s upcoming “Surrealism and its Legacy” sale is poised to be a landmark event for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. With its focus on surrealism and the works of some of the movement’s most influential artists, it is sure to provide a glimpse into the mind-bending world of the surreal.
