Believed to be the highest price for a work of Surrealism sold at auction, Empire of Light—one of René Magritte’s most iconic works—has set the record among other artworks with its sale for $121.2 million at Christie’s in New York on November 20, 2024. Not only does the milestone make this painting the most expensive Magritte ever to go on sale, but it’s also the first time an artwork has surpassed $100 million at auction in 2023.
The sale was part of a series of auctions conducted by Christie’s at the time. Christie’s sold off the private collection of Mica Ertegun, designer and widow of music executive Ahmet Ertegun, who died in December 2023. Many of Ertegun’s collection’s art and design treasures are expected to reach seven figures in a series of sales planned through December 18, 2024.
Empire of Light is one of a series of 17 canvases by Magritte depicting a tranquil suburban night scene against a daytime sky. This version is especially known for its scale and water reflections, which only adds to the dreamlike haze. Initial estimates valued the card at $95 million through a private sale, though fierce bidding pushed its final price well above expectations.
This sale, say art market experts, is further proof of the lasting popularity of surrealism and a sign that Magritte’s reputation is rising among the most highly traded artists in the world. By selling for this amount, Magritte becomes one of a small set of artists who have seen their works surpass the nine figure price point at auction.
The sale illustrates the lingering popularity of surrealism within contemporary art, as bidders compete for works imbued with dreamlike allure and transformative powers. The triumph of Empire of Light is another resting point in the long story of Magritte’s standing as one of the modern era’s most astute visionaries, staking credence for both Christie and for art.
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