Utopia

1945
(Belgian, 1898–1967)
Sheet: 32.1 x 41.8 cm (12 5/8 x 16 7/16 in.)
© C. Herscovici / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Catalogue raisonné: Sylvester 1191
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

René Magritte made an almost identical painting around the same time that he completed this drawing.

Description

René Magritte was among the leading figures of the Surrealist movement, whose work emphasized dreams, the subconscious, and a break from reason and logic during the early 20th century. Magritte, in particular, often situated realistic imagery within ridiculous or unusual situations in order to question perception. Here, a rose grows on a rocky island amid a vast sea, set against a blue sky filled with large white clouds. By situating the flower within a barren and inhospitable setting, Magritte invites the viewer to question its purpose and survival. Created as World War II came to an end, the enigmatic image could symbolize a new beginning, although Magritte avoided assigning it a specific meaning.
Utopia

Utopia

1945

René Magritte

(Belgian, 1898–1967)
Belgium, 20th century

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