Le Fils de L’Homme © René Magritte 1973
Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com
Interested in buying or selling
René Magritte?
René Magritte
9 works
Key Takeaways
René Magritte's prints show consistent popularity, with individual works typically fetching between £5,000 and £20,000. His most iconic surrealist images, such as those featuring bowler-hatted men or clouds, command the highest prices. In recent years, complete portfolios of Magritte's prints have achieved impressive results at auction, with the record price currently at over £31,000. Authentication of Magritte's prints requires meticulous examination of paper quality, printing technique, and provenance, with reference to the comprehensive catalogue raisonné by David Sylvester or the records of the many printing studios Magritte collaborated with. Strategic timing, such as selling during major retrospectives or when interest in Surrealism surges, can optimise returns for sellers.
The enigmatic imagery of René Magritte challenges our perception of reality. Magritte's prints, much like his paintings, often feature seemingly ordinary objects in extraordinary contexts, creating visual paradoxes that continue to captivate audiences decades after their creation. If you own a Magritte print, this guide will help you navigate the market, offering insights into valuation, authentication, and selling strategies for those looking to part with their pieces.
Magritte's artistic vision was shaped by his fascination with the subconscious mind and the hidden relationships between objects. He drew inspiration from everyday life, transforming mundane items into powerful symbols that questioned the nature of representation and reality. This approach is reflected in his printmaking, which encompasses various techniques such as lithography and etching, often reproducing his most iconic painted images in limited editions.
Throughout his career, Magritte collaborated with several printmakers and publishers, including the Hugo Gallery in New York and Mourlot Editions in Paris. These partnerships resulted in some of his most sought-after print series, including Le Domaine d'Arnheim (1962) and La Belle Captive (1931). Magritte's prints allow collectors to own part of his revolutionary imagination in a more accessible format than his original paintings.
How Much do René Magritte Prints Sell For?
Magritte's imagery is instantly recognisable; his surrealist compositions are at once startling and relatable, a fact that is reflected in the continual appreciation of his work’s value. Prices for his prints can vary significantly based on factors such as rarity, condition, and the popularity of the specific image. Typically, individual prints by Magritte fetch between £5,000 and £20,000, with particularly iconic or rare works commanding even higher prices.
Magritte's most recognisable motifs, such as the bowler-hatted man, floating rocks, and enigmatic clouds, tend to be the most valuable in the print market. For instance, the record sale of an individual Magritte print took place in 2018, when Paysage De Baucis (1966) sold for £31,047. This etched self-portrait is a consistent top performer, uniting some of Magritte’s iconic motifs with a rare look at the artist himself. A collection of seven prints featuring popular surrealist imagery (pipes, paintings, clouds, clocks, bottles, fractured faces, and keys) from Magritte’s Aube à l'Antipode series (1966) sold in 2012 for £32,234. Individual prints from this series regularly appear and sell well at auction.
Other popular prints include Salon De Mai (1965), which sold for £23,995 in 2024, and a print of what is possibly Magritte’s most renowned work, Le Fils De L’Homme (1973), which sold for £9,578 in 2022. Prints such as L’Art De Vivre (1969) and L’Oeil (1968) have seen an average value increase of between 5% and 10% in the last five years. It is true, however, that Magritte’s highest-value prints are those that were designed to be prints (particularly monochromatic etchings), rather than those that are replications of his original works.
Magritte's later prints, often produced in slightly larger editions, are generally more accessible, with prices starting from around £5,000 for signed editions. However, even these more modestly priced works have shown significant appreciation over time.
How Do You Authenticate a René Magritte Print?
Establishing provenance is the first step in authenticating any fine art print. To do this, you should collect and review any documentation that verifies the print’s history of ownership and exhibition. Certificates of authenticity, gallery receipts, exhibition catalogues, or correspondence related to the print can be invaluable in establishing its legitimacy.
An expert appraiser will examine the paper quality, ink composition, and printing technique used in creating your print. Magritte’s collaborations with printing studios such as often used high-quality papers for his prints, and understanding the characteristics of these materials is essential. The printing process itself, whether lithography, etching, or another method, should be consistent with Magritte's known practices for the period in which the print was produced.
The definitive reference for authenticating Magritte's work is the multi-volume catalogue raisonné compiled by David Sylvester, which includes detailed information on Magritte's prints. This comprehensive catalogue documents Magritte's known works, providing essential details on techniques, editions, and variations. Crosschecking a print against this catalogue is a crucial step in the authentication process.
Magritte's collaborations with various printmakers and publishers, such as Atelier Dutrou and Art-Lithographies in Paris, each have their own characteristics in terms of paper, technique, and style. The 950 editions published with Atelier Dutrou, for example, were printed on Rives paper. Understanding these nuances and the evolution of Magritte's printmaking practice over time is essential for accurate authentication and valuation.
Edition & Signature
Magritte's approach to signing and numbering his prints was generally consistent, though there can be variations depending on the period and publisher. Typically, his signature appears in pencil in the lower right corner of the print. However, some editions, such as Ceci N’est Pas Une Pipe (1962) feature Magritte’s surname in the centre at the bottom, accompanied by the year of production. The edition number is usually found in the lower left corner, written as a fraction, sometimes in Roman numerals.
Magritte's print editions varied in size, with some as small as 30 and others as large as 300. Artist's proofs, often marked “E.A.” (épreuve d'artiste), are highly sought after by collectors. Magritte occasionally translated old works in other mediums into print, creating new editions years after the original work was produced. Magritte’s estate also released unknown etchings after the artist’s death, meaning that the method of signing and numbering on these prints will be different. Understanding these practices is crucial for accurately dating and valuing Magritte's prints.
Browse René Magritte prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
Looking to Sell Your René Magritte Prints?
Request a free and zero obligation valuation with our team without hesitation. Track your prints & editions with MyPortfolio.
Has Your René Magritte Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
Mint condition prints always fair best at auction; however, with artists as revered as Magritte, prints that have sustained light wear and tear are still in high demand. It is vital that you get your print professionally assessed before beginning the sale process so any damage can be taken into account when setting the price.
When assessing the condition of a Magritte print, several key factors should be considered. Firstly, examine the paper for any signs of damage or ageing. Look for discolouration, foxing, or acid burn, particularly around the edges. The high-quality, acid-free papers Magritte used are generally resistant to discolouration and degradation. However, improper storage or exposure to environmental factors can still lead to deterioration over time.
Colour fading is a particular concern for prints of Magritte's surrealist paintings, as many of his images rely on bright contrasts and deep shadows. His lithographs, which make up a significant portion of his print oeuvre, can be particularly susceptible to light damage. The inks used in lithography can fade if exposed to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light over extended periods. This fading can be especially noticeable in areas of solid colour or dark shadows. Magritte’s monochromatic etchings are less susceptible to colour fading as they generally comprise only two tones: black and white.
Check for any surface imperfections such as scratches, scuffs, or abrasions. These can be particularly noticeable in areas of solid colour or intricate detail, which are common in Magritte's work. Examine the print under raking light to detect any such issues, as well as any undulations in the paper that might indicate past water damage or improper storage.
Proper storage and display are essential for maintaining a Magritte print in good condition. Ideally, prints should be kept in acid-free environments, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity - a flat portfolio is the perfect solution. If framed, UV-protective glass and acid-free matting are recommended to prevent light damage and acid migration.
For a thorough assessment, consider consulting a paper conservator specialising in 20th-century prints. They can provide a detailed condition report and advise on any necessary conservation measures. Remember that minor imperfections will be acceptable given the age of some prints, and significant restoration work can substantially decrease value. For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your René Magritte print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My René Magritte Print?
Magritte's market has shown steady growth over the past decades, with particular spikes following major retrospectives or renewed interest in Surrealism. Major exhibitions or retrospectives of Magritte's work often generate increased interest and media coverage, potentially driving up demand and prices for his prints. For example, the comprehensive retrospective at the Centre Pompidou in Paris in 2016-17, and subsequent exhibitions at prominent institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, have helped to reinforce Magritte's status and stimulate the market for his work. In fact, in 2016-18, while the effects of the Paris retrospective were still being felt in the art market, almost every Magritte print sale of over £10,000 exceeded its high estimate. This timeframe coincided with the 50th anniversary of Magritte’s death in 2017, creating increased attention on his work and legacy. Anniversary years and dates like this are important to be aware of when planning your sale.
Keep an eye on broader trends in the art market, particularly those related to Surrealism or 20th-century European art in general. Surges of interest in these areas can create a favourable environment for selling Magritte's prints. Additionally, any new publications or scholarly works focusing on Magritte's career can refocus attention on his market.
We recommend monitoring sales results and value trajectory reports from major auction houses and galleries. These can provide insights into which series or periods of Magritte's work are currently in highest demand. For instance, if there's a surge of interest in Magritte's early surrealist prints, it might be an opportune time to sell works from that period.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Ways to Sell with MyArtBroker
At MyArtBroker, our specialists provide a free market valuation for your artwork, offering a level of transparency unmatched in today’s market. In addition to our valuations, through our online Trading Floor, you can access real-time insights into works by the artist you’re looking to sell, including pieces that are most in demand, wanted, or currently for sale: allowing sellers to trust the valuation that they are provided.
Additionally, the MyPortfolio collection management service grants you free access to our comprehensive print market database. This resource allows you to review auction histories for the specific work you’re looking to sell, including hammer prices, values paid, and seller returns. In a fluctuating market, this historical data is invaluable - and often comes at a cost elsewhere - offering insights into past and current values to further inform decisions based on market timing and conditions. In addition to our specialists guidance, you have concrete data.
Our approach is tailored to align with the unique attributes of each artwork, and offer optimal results:
How a Private Sale Works
Unlike peer-to-peer platforms, which lack specialised expertise, authenticity guarantees, and legal infrastructure for high-value sales, MyArtBroker operates through private sales ensuring a secure and seamless transaction process. We charge sellers 0% to sell, and take a small commission from our buyers, absorbing essential aspects including insurance, shipping, and marketing - at no extra cost to the seller. There is no magic to it, we’re a lean specialised business with less overheads than traditional models meaning we can do better for our clients.
Our revenue is derived from buyer commissions only, which are individually negotiated upon offer, and we aim to give the client the best return in the market place. By focusing on high-value artworks in excess of £10,000, we provide specialised care and expertise, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves, while simultaneously maximising returns with our clients. For works that fall below this threshold speak to the team about a recommendation, we offer market advisory free of charge. Our goal at MyArtBroker is to offer a seamless solution, setting us apart in the art market.
Advisory and Recommendations
In cases for artists and artworks, where our existing network of collectors isn’t the best fit due to value, medium or condition we collaborate with reputable partners to facilitate its sale. Carefully tailoring your artwork to the right party. This tailored approach is especially important as it considers the unique attributes of each artwork, providing sellers with the best possible outcome in today’s shifting art market. You can discuss this approach with us without charge as part of our advisory service.
Such recommendations are on a case-by-case basis, and ensures broader exposure and takes advantage of our knowledge of where a work will do best.
René Magritte Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com
Interested in buying or selling
René Magritte?
René Magritte
9 works
