RENE MAGRITTE (1898-1967) – L’empire des lumières
There was a new world record for Rene Magritte at Christie’s in New York on November 19 when L’empire des lumières sold for a hammer price of $105,000,000 ($121,160,000 with fees). This was a record too for a painting sold at auction in 2024 as it was the first picture this year to break the $100 million barrier. The painting was from the collection of designer and philanthropist Mica Ertegun whose world-class collection includes art, exquisite furnishings, jewellery and more.
A significant portion of the seller’s sale proceeds is intended to benefit philanthropic initiatives. During her lifetime, Mrs. Ertegun generously supported the Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities at Oxford University, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the World Monument Fund and more.
(See post on antiquesandartireland.com for September 23, 2024)
