René Magritte, The Masterpiece, or The Mysteries of the Horizon

Lithograph, 2011

Limited edition of 275 (157/275)

Publisher: Artvalue (Luxembourg)

Printer: Philippe Moreno, Atelier Art-Lithographies (Paris)

45.00 cm × 60.00 cm (sheet size)

38.00 cm × 49.00 cm (image size)

Signed in the plate

Includes certificate of authenticity

Condition: Excellent

Based on the original work: 1965 "The Masterpiece, or The Mysteries of the Horizon"

BFK Rives paper

With dry stamps of ADAGP and MAGRITTE Estate

This work is stored at our partner gallery in France. While its condition is considered good by French standards, please note that standards for evaluating the condition of aged items may differ between France and Japan. Please consider purchasing only after acknowledging any signs of age-related wear (e.g., stains, discoloration, folds, creases, tanning) typical of vintage items. We have not inspected the physical work ourselves. The artwork is currently stored in France, and delivery may take over two weeks after your order. Due to the nature of the work, returns after purchase are not accepted.

Artwork Description

"The Masterpiece, or The Mysteries of the Horizon" is a significant work that symbolizes René Magritte's representative thoughts in his later years.

Against a vast horizon, three figures in identical hats and coats stand quietly side-by-side. This composition appears simple and orderly at first glance. However, within its tranquility lies Magritte's unique blend of profound mystery and intellectual unease.

Each of the three figures faces a different direction, yet their faces are never clearly revealed. Despite the varying perspectives—front, back, and profile—we ultimately cannot grasp the essence of these individuals.

What Magritte presents here is the decisive gap between "seeing" and "knowing."

When we see something, we tend to assume we understand it. But Magritte subtly demonstrates that what is captured by sight is not necessarily the truth itself.

The horizon, an infinite expanse, symbolizes the boundary between reality and the unknown, the visible and the invisible, lending a philosophical breadth to the entire work.

Its refined and restrained depiction, without exaggerating fantasy, rather encourages deep contemplation in the viewer.

This work is a masterpiece that expresses the fundamental themes Magritte pondered throughout his life—

What is existence?
What is seeing?
What is perception?

—through a remarkably concise image.