MAGRITTE'S MASTERPIECE SMASHES AUCKTION RECORD: 'L'EMPIRE DES LUMIERES' SELLS FOR $121 MILLION AT CHRISTIE'S

New York, USA - In a record-breaking auction, Rene Magritte's iconic painting "L'empire des lumieres" (The Empire of Light) has sold for an astonishing $121 million at Christie's in New York on Tuesday. This sale shatters the previous auction record set by any of his works, solidifying Magritte's place as one of the most sought-after artists.

Comprising an intricate play on lighting and a mysterious darkness that envelops a traditional English manor, "L'empire des lumieres" is a masterful representation of surrealism. The painting cleverly juxtaposes night and day, with the sunny skies above contrasting with a grim, damp, suspenseful streetscape covered in inscrutable darkness and shadow.

The artwork, one of 27 paintings all titled "L'empire des lumieres", has been hailed by experts as one of Magritte's finest works from the series. Its technical mastery and penchant for making the familiar uncanny have made it a standout piece among the artist's oeuvre. The winning bid far exceeded the painting's $95 million estimate, reflecting its immense value to art collectors.

The sale comes on the heels of another notable find at Christie's: Ed Ruscha's "A Still Life" went under the hammer for a staggering over $19 million. Renowned artists like Max Ernst also made appearances in the auction house's recent sell-off.

Christie's described Magritte as the "crown jewel" of Mica Ertegun's collection, emphasizing its exceptional condition and details. The Belgian surrealist artist (1898-1967) crafted 17 unique nocturnal landscapes bathed in daylight, which is why this particular work stands out for its scale and innovative use of water.

As news of the incredible sale spreads throughout the art world, experts attribute Magritte's rising value to both his enduring popularity and the exceptional quality of "L'empire des lumieres".