Inspiration (L'inspiration)

By 1946, acquired from the artist by Alex Salkin (Brussels, Belgium); ca. 1946, transferred to a private collector (New York, NY); 9 November 1999, sold via auction (lot 442) at Christie’s (New York, NY) to Terese and Alvin S. Lane (Riverdale, NY); 2007, deposited on long-term loan to the Chazen Museum of Art; 2012, bequeathed to the Chazen Museum of Art

• Sylvester, D., S. Whitfield and M. Raeburn. "René Magritte, Catalogue Raisonné." London: Menil Foundation, 1992-1994. vol. II: pp. 86-87, 141-142, 383, 437; vol. IV: p. 51, vol. II: no. 61; vol. IV: no. 1174
• Torczyner, H. "Magritte, Ideas and Images." New York: Harry Abrams, 1977. p. 125, no. 226
• Mariën, Marcel. "La Terre n'est pas une vallée de larmes." Brussels: Editions La Boetie, 1945. pp. 40-41

• Modernist Sculpture: The Terese & Alvin S. Lane Collection: Chazen Museum of Art, 7/19/2008–9/28/2008
• Magritte: Sidney Janis Gallery, 12/1/1977–12/31/1977
• Magritte: Marlborough Fine Art, London, 10/1/1973–11/30/1973
• René Magritte in New York Private Collections: Albert Landry Galleries, NY, 10/1/1961–11/30/1961
• René Magritte in America: Museum of Contemporary Arts, Dallas, 12/1/1960–3/30/1961
• Magritte: Copley Galleries, Beverly Hills, 9/1/1948–9/30/1948
• René Magritte: Hugo Gallery, NY, 4/1/1947–4/30/1947

This painting depicts a still-life dining setup, viewed from a slightly elevated angle, against a solid, warm brown backdrop. At the center is a tall wine bottle painted with the image of a nude human figure. The narrow neck of the bottle functions as the figure’s head and neck, featuring a painted face with a light skin tone, neutral expression, and forward-facing eyes. The rim of the bottle acts as the top of the head. The bottle’s shoulders slope outward to form the figure’s shoulders, transitioning into the main cylindrical body which is painted as a torso. The torso is detailed with round breasts and a soft navel. The painting extends to the base of the bottle, ending at the upper thighs and smooth pubic area. Long, dark brown hair frames the body, following the contours of the bottle. To the left of the bottle stands a simple, transparent, empty drinking glass. In the foreground, positioned slightly to the left, is a plain white circular plate with a wide rim. To the right of the plate lie a silver fork and a knife with a dark handle, arranged side by side. The objects rest on a flat, light beige surface, casting soft shadows to the right.

• Europe
• Paintings
• Terese and Alvin S. Lane Collection
• Alt Text Accessible

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