René Magritte’s iconic surrealist painting “L’empire des Lumières” has set a new world record, selling for an unprecedented $121.2 million at Christie’s New York auction, per news.artnet.com.
The mesmerising canvas, featuring a luminous house against an impossibly bright sky, captivated collectors during the estate sale of renowned interior designer Mica Ertegun. The work, which had been part of Ertegun’s private collection for over five decades, exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $95 million.
Two high-profile telephone bidders engaged in an intense battle, with Christie’s executives Alex Rotter and Xin Li-Cohen representing their respective clients. The auction room fell silent as the price quickly escalated, ultimately landing at $105 million before fees.
Art experts herald the piece as more than just a painting—it’s a cultural touchstone. “Some works of art transcend their movement, and this is one of them,” said Emmanuel Di Donna, a prominent New York art dealer. “The brand recognition of Magritte is incredibly strong.”
Part of a series of 17 oil paintings created between 1949 and 1964, this particular “L’empire des Lumières” represents the pinnacle of Magritte’s surrealist exploration. The work dramatically outperforms the previous record of $79.8 million set in 2022.
The sale arrives during a significant moment for surrealism, coinciding with the movement’s centennial celebration and a major exhibition at Paris’s Centre Pompidou.
•Featured image: Rene Magritte, L’empire des Lumières (1954)/Christie’s
