Rene magritte
A master of surrealism changing perceptions of reality
born November 21, 1898
René François Ghislain Magritte was born in the small Belgian town of Lessin to a family of a saddler and a modiste. His childhood and early years were full of events and experiences that later influenced his artistic vision and work.
René was the eldest of three sons in the family of Léopold Magritte and Regina Berthaud. Leopold worked as a saddler, and Regina was a sewing and modist. The family lived modestly, but tried to provide their children with everything they needed. The Magrittes moved frequently in their lives because they were looking for work for Leopold.
In 1900, the Magritte family moved to the town of Châtelet, where René continued his childhood. He was the eldest of three brothers, and their home was always filled with life and activity. As a child, René had a passion for reading adventure novels and drawing. He often spent time creating fantasy worlds on paper, which became the basis for his future work.
One of the most significant and tragic events in René's childhood occurred when he was 13 years old. In 1912, his mother committed suicide by drowning herself in the Sambre River. Regina's body was found a few days later, and her face was said to have been covered by a nightgown. This image - the hidden face - was later repeated many times in Magritte's works.
Psychological influence and its reflection in art
After the death of his mother in 1912, René Magritte experienced deep depression and emotional isolation. This loss had a significant impact on his psycho-emotional state, contributing to his inner conflicts and search for meaning. Magritte began to develop his own unique style, which was evident in the somber and abstract themes of his early works. A period of depression and loss also contributed to his surrealist approach and unusual visual images reflecting his inner feelings.
Love and the Muse
René Magritte found his muse in Georgette Berger, whom he met in his youth and linked his life with. Married in 1922, they became inseparable. Georgette not only supported René, but also often became a model for his paintings, inspiring the artist to create masterpieces.
Their love was like a surrealist Magritte painting: unusual and mesmerizing. Their home was an atmosphere of creativity and imagination, and the deep emotional connection was reflected in René's work, where Georgette appeared as a mysterious and inspiring figure.
gallery of works
recent years
In the last years of his life, René Magritte continued to work actively, staying true to his unique style that made him one of the most recognisable artists of the 20th century. Despite his international recognition, Magritte led a rather secluded life in Brussels, where he lived with his wife Georgette for most of his life.
Magritte continued to experiment, creating new works despite his deteriorating health. In 1966 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but even this could not stop his creative process. The artist remained active for the rest of his life, completing his last painting shortly before his death.
