Renowned surrealist artist René Magritte’s L’Empire des Lumières has set a new world record for both the artist and the genre, selling for $121.16 million at a Christie’s auction in New York. The sale took place on Tuesday and marks a historic milestone for the surrealist art movement.

A masterpiece of juxtaposition

The 1954 oil-on-canvas masterpiece, L’Empire des Lumières (The Empire of Light), is celebrated for its stunning interplay of day and night. Magritte’s work features a brightly lit daytime sky hovering over a shadowy, enigmatic streetscape. A solitary streetlamp illuminates part of an English-style manor, casting its reflection into a rain-dappled puddle below.

The painting’s intricate use of light and darkness captivates viewers, drawing them into its eerie yet mesmerizing atmosphere.

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Record-breaking auction

The artwork, previously owned by late interior designer Mica Ertegun, was described by Christie’s as the “crown jewel” of her collection. The sale exceeded expectations, far surpassing its $95 million estimate and solidifying Magritte’s position as one of the 20th century’s greatest artistic minds.

This painting is one of 27 variations on L’Empire des Lumières that Magritte created over his career, with the 1954 version being particularly noted for its scale, pristine condition, and distinctive inclusion of water in the nocturnal scene.

Highlights of the auction

Other notable sales during the evening included:

• Magritte’s La Cour d’Amour: Sold for $10.53 million.
• Magritte’s La Mémoire: Fetched $3.68 million.
• David Hockney’s A Still Life: Achieved over $19 million.

Legacy of L’Empire des Lumières

Magritte, who lived from 1898 to 1967, often explored dreamlike themes and uncanny juxtapositions, creating works that challenge the viewer’s perception of reality. With L’Empire des Lumières, he pioneered a surreal dialogue between the familiar and the mysterious, making the ordinary extraordinary.

This record-breaking sale not only underscores the enduring power of Magritte’s vision but also cements L’Empire des Lumières as one of the most iconic pieces in modern art history.