Two Rare René Magritte Sketches Discovered in Brussels
Two previously unknown sketches by Belgian surrealist René Magritte have been authenticated, enriching the legacy of one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists. The Magritte Committee, the authority on the authenticity of his works, confirmed on Friday that these are genuine creations by the artist.
The artworks, a charcoal sketch of a nude woman and a pencil drawing of a seated woman, remained hidden for years in the collection of Belgian art critic Arthur Tommelein, who likely acquired them at flea markets. Hidden for years, the sketches passed to Tommelein’s daughter following his death. Now, she has decided to put them up for auction.
Henri Godts of Arenberg Auctions, which will handle the sale, praised the pieces as early examples of Magritte's exploration of form and abstraction. "It is an early character drawing whose powerful outline and shaded areas show the beginning of a cubist deconstruction of the human figure, characteristic of his other sketches from that period," Godts explained. He also highlighted their resemblance to other charcoal studies of female nudes by Magritte, including those sold at Sotheby’s in 1987.
Magritte, a pioneer of surrealism, is renowned for his ability to merge the ordinary with the dreamlike, creating works that challenge perception and reality. Surrealism, which emerged in France in 1924, continues to influence artists worldwide, with Magritte among its most iconic figures. Just last week, his famous painting L'Empire des lumières fetched a record 114 million euros at auction in New York.
The discovery of the sketches coincides with the centenary of surrealism, though Arenberg Auctions notes that the timing is purely coincidental. The newly authenticated works are set to be auctioned on 12 December, with an estimated starting value of 3,000 euros each.
An expo on the work of Belgian surrealist painter Rene Magritte is set to open at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Friday 25 October 2024. © BELGA PHOTO MARIE-PAULINE DESSET
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