The Empire of Light - René Magritte

This work, bordering on conceptual, by René Magritte, created between 1939 and 1967, is part of a series of seventeen paintings that challenge the perception of reality through the play of light and shadow. In this piece, Magritte combines a daytime scene with nocturnal elements, creating a coexistence, present in our daily routine, of darkness and light in the same space. This contrast between the blue daytime sky and a dark street illuminated by a streetlamp represents the duality of truth and darkness.

Belonging to the surrealist movement Magritte uses this visual paradox to question our ideal of reality as a life without sorrows conceived as something beautiful. The series "The Empire of Light" reflects his interest in exploring the inherent contradictions in our view of the world. This work has influenced numerous contemporary artists, highlighting his ability to transform the everyday into something profoundly enigmatic. Magritte's technical approach, with his meticulous and detailed style, contributes to the sense of mystery and wonder that emanates from this series of paintings.