René Magritte – The Surrealist Who Challenged Reality

René Magritte was a prominent Belgian surrealist painter, celebrated for his thought-provoking, enigmatic works that challenge viewers’ perceptions of reality.

To answer the question “Who was René Magritte?”, I have put together an overview of his life and works, with specific paintings reflecting various stages of his life. He definitely belongs to the top tier of Famous Belgians!

Early life and education (1898-1926)

René François Ghislain Magritte was born on November 21, 1898, in Lessines, Belgium. His father, Léopold Magritte, was a tailor and textile merchant, and his mother, Régina, was a milliner. The family moved several times during his childhood. A significant event in his early life was the tragic death of his mother, who drowned herself in the River Sambre in 1912. This was not her first attempt at suicide; Léopold often had to lock her in her bedroom. This traumatic event profoundly influenced Magritte’s later work. Magritte began taking drawing lessons in 1910. In 1916, he enrolled at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, where he studied for two years.

In 1920 and 1921 Magritte served in the Belgian infantry in the Flemish town of Beverlo. In 1922 Magritte married Georgette Berger, whom he had known from childhood. In 1922-1923, he worked as a draughtsman in a wallpaper factory, and was a poster and advertisement designer until 1926, when a contract with Galerie la Centaure in Brussels made it possible for him to paint full-time.

Painting: The Lovers (1928)

While Magritte didn’t start painting seriously until later, his early experiences might be reflected in this painting which features two shrouded figures kissing, possibly alluding to his feelings of loss and the obscured memories of his mother. The story was circulated that when his mother was found dead in the River Sambre, her dress was covering her face.

The Brussels years and Surrealism (1927-1940)

Magritte held his first exhibition in Brussels in 1927 but critics reacted extremely negatively. Downcast by this failure, he moved to Paris and joined the surrealist group led by André Breton. During his time in Paris, he interacted with other surrealists such as Salvador Dalí and Max Ernst. However, he returned to Brussels in 1930 due to financial difficulties. Despite his geographical distance from the Parisian surrealists, Magritte continued to develop his unique style characterized by witty and thought-provoking images.

Painting: “The Lost Jockey” (1926)

This painting is considered one of Magritte’s first surrealist works. It demonstrates his early interest in dreamlike scenarios and the juxtaposition of ordinary objects in unusual contexts, setting the stage for his future explorations of surrealism.

Painting: “The Treachery of Images” (1929)

This painting, featuring the famous phrase “Ceci n’est pas une pipe” (This is not a pipe), encapsulates Magritte’s exploration of the relationship between words, images, and reality. It reflects his deep engagement with surrealist principles and his philosophical inquiries into the nature of representation.

World War II and the “Renoir Period” (1940-1948)

During World War II, Magritte remained in Brussels. In the early 1940s, he adopted a brighter, more impressionistic style, influenced by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. This period, known as his “Renoir Period,” was marked by a temporary departure from his earlier surrealist techniques, likely as a response to the grim realities of the war.

Take a look at Singulart

By the way, if you want to know more about Pierre-Auguste Renoir and discover some of his paintings and prints that are for sale, I recommend having a look at the Singulart website. Actually, Singulart covers over 12,000 artists, and is particularly keen to encourage and support new artists (especially women), by providing them with international visibility. Well worth a visit.

Painting: “The Return” (1940)

This work features a bird in flight that appears to be made of sky and clouds, juxtaposing natural and surreal elements. It showcases Magritte’s continued fascination with illusion and reality, even as his style temporarily shifted.

The mature period and international recognition (1948-1967)

After the war, Magritte returned to his earlier surrealist style. The late 1940s and 1950s were a period of increasing recognition and success. He held numerous exhibitions in Europe and the United States, cementing his reputation as a leading surrealist painter. His works from this period are characterized by a refined technique and the consistent use of recurring motifs such as bowler hats, apples, and clouds.

Painting: “Golconda” (1953)

This painting depicts a scene with men in bowler hats raining down from the sky. It reflects Magritte’s mature style, characterized by precise, almost photographic realism, combined with fantastical, surreal elements. This work exemplifies his exploration of repetition and the uncanny in everyday life.

Legacy and death (1967-present)

René Magritte died of pancreatic cancer on August 15, 1967, in Brussels. He left behind a rich legacy that has influenced not only the world of surrealism but also contemporary art, advertising, and popular culture. His works continue to be celebrated for their wit, visual playfulness, and deep philosophical undertones.

Painting: “The Son of Man” (1964)

One of Magritte’s most iconic paintings, it features a man in a bowler hat with his face obscured by a floating green apple. Created during the final years of his life, this painting encapsulates many of the themes central to Magritte’s work, such as concealment, identity, and the interplay between the visible and the hidden.

René Magritte’s influence

The influence of René Magritte extends beyond the art world. His works have inspired filmmakers, musicians, and writers. The enduring popularity of his paintings is evident in the frequent references and homages found in various media. Museums and galleries worldwide continue to exhibit his works, ensuring that new generations can experience and be inspired by his unique vision. Magritte’s ability to combine everyday objects with extraordinary contexts has left a lasting impact on how we perceive reality and art. His legacy is one of challenging viewers to look beyond the surface and question the nature of perception and reality. To sum up key aspects of Magritte’s legacy:

• Challenging perception and reality
• Exploring the relationship between words and images
• Influencing conceptual art and pop art movements
• Impact on advertising and graphic design
• Contribution to philosophical discussions about representation and reality.

Everything we see hides another thing, we always want to see what is hidden by what we see.”
– Rene Magritte

Where to see René Magritte’s paintings in Belgium

1. Magritte Museum, Brussels

• The must-see Magritte destination.
• Part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, it houses the world’s largest collection of Magritte’s works – over 200 pieces.
• Highlights: Iconic paintings (The Empire of Light, The Dominion of Light series). Early surrealist works and rare drawings.
• Tip: The museum’s sleek design and chronological layout make it easy to follow Magritte’s evolution.

More info: Magritte Museum

2. Magritte Room at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (RMFAB), Brussels

• Connected to the Magritte Museum, the main Fine Arts building also displays Magritte paintings, often on rotation.
• Good for: Seeing Magritte in the broader context of Belgian art (Ensor, Delvaux, etc.).

3. René Magritte House Museum, Jette (Brussels)

• Why visit: Magritte lived and worked here (1927–1954).
• What you’ll see: His original studio with easel and brushes. The modest home where he painted half of his life’s work.
• Bonus: There’s a small garden and an intimate feel – you see where surrealism met suburban Brussels life.

More info: Magritte House Museum

4. Magritte in Public Spaces

• Jette & Brussels: Various murals and street art tributes.
• Knokke-Heist: The casino contains Magritte’s only large-scale ceiling mural (The Enchanted Realm, 1953). You can visit by booking a guided tour.

5. Other Belgian Museums with Magritte Works

• Mu.ZEE (Ostend): A few works (also ties nicely into an Ensor/Magritte combo trip).
• MSK Ghent: Occasionally exhibits Magritte in surrealism-themed shows.
• Private galleries: Magritte pieces occasionally surface in temporary exhibitions in Brussels and Antwerp.

René and Georgette Magritte with their dog after the war

These photographs of the Magrittes and their dog were the inspiration for a ballad by Paul Simon entitled “René and Georgette Magritte with their dog after the war” which appeared on his 1983 album Hearts and Bones:

Here is a beautiful acoustic version of the song:

Update: October 2025

This article in The Guardian describes how La Magie Noire by Magritte, which has been held in a private collection for more than 90 years, is expected to sell for at least 7 million euros. It was bought in 1934 by the family of the second world war resistance heroine Suzanne Spaak.

Discover other Belgian surrealists

The main man of Belgian Surrealism is René Magritte, but he’s not the only one – and there are some outstanding Belgian women Surrealist painters too. In this post I look at a few Belgian Surrealists who made an impact – and are continuing to do so.

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.