Black Magic 1 by René Magritte

The composition “Black Magic 1” illustrates how René Magritte explores metamorphoses of matter and transparency games characteristic of Belgian Surrealism. This work testifies to the painter’s ability to create hybrid figures that defy the laws of physics and perception. The dreamlike atmosphere evokes a world where the boundaries between body and environment blur. ::::: A nude woman is depicted standing three-quarters, turned to the right with her head lowered in a contemplative posture. Her upper part, from face to waist, is a uniform and translucent sky blue, while her lower part presents natural flesh tones. Her right hand rests on an object draped with a bluish-white fabric, while her left arm hangs along her body. Her blond hair is styled back with delicate curls. In the background, a pink column rises to the left, while to the right extend the sea and sky in deep blue dotted with white clouds. ::::: Magritte’s virtuosity expresses itself in the subtle rendering of the transition between the two states of matter, creating a figure that is both tangible and ethereal that questions the nature of reality.