The exterior of Sotheby’s in London is transformed into Magritte’s L’empire des lumières ahead of the painting’s sale at auction
(Picture: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby's)Sotheby’s London HQ was transformed into a giant surrealist masterpiece ahead of a major multi-million pound auction in March.
The building in New Bond Street has been decorated in the style of Magritte’s L’empire des lumieres which is expected to fetch around £45 million when it goes under the hammer.
The ground floor has become silhouetted as in the painting complete with a lit-up lamp post while the windows on the upper floors have been wrapped to become bright blue sky and white clouds.
His painting was created in 1961 for Belgian aristocrat Baroness Anne-Marie Gillion Crowet, who was a friend and muse of the painter, and has remained in the family until now.
An acknowledged master of surrealism, Magritte first painted her as a teenager and she went on to appear in many of his major works and would often play chess with him when he finished work.
Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Worldwide Head of Impressionist & Modern Art, said: “A masterpiece of 20th-century art, L’empire des lumières brings together the two most fundamental elements of daily life – those of day and night – onto one paradoxical canvas.
“With its impressive scale, the cinematic painting draws the viewer into Magritte’s timeless world. Its immediacy and power encapsulate the ‘star quality’ that places Magritte firmly among the pantheon of the market’s most sought-after artists.
“We could not be more thrilled to start the new year by presenting this show-stopping work in London, where it represents a new benchmark both for the artist and the global art market.”
