As perhaps one of the best known and most iconic Surrealist artists, René Magritte (1898-1967) was best recognized his precise but fantastic images, transforming the familiar to strange or even disturbing.

Magritte's version of figurative painting was often in a ‘deadpan’ style, which left his figures or subjects suspended in a cinematic-like staging.

In the 1930's in Paris, Magritte's career and reputation accelerated, in tandem with the French Surrealists. He began to include text as an integral part of his work in addition to specific reoccurring motifs including bowler hats, clouds, and pipes. Yet the meaning behind many of these elements remained elusive despite their familiarity and repetition. 

One of his greatest works, "Time Transfixed" (in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago) depicts a small train emerging from a fireplace in an
empty room with a clock and candles resting on the mantelpiece. 

This fusion of two disparate elements, such as seen here in "Les Bijoux Indiscrets" is one of Magritte's signature compositional approaches. 

During his lifetime Magritte only completed around 20 prints, although his estate created a large number of posthumous multiples. "Les Bijoux Indiscrets" was one of the first prints he created. 

Today, this small group of signed and numbered "lifetime prints" by the artist have become extremely valuable and sought-after on the secondary market.  

The edition of "Les Bijoux Indiscrets" is made up of two sections. The former section was an edition of 2000 with a printed signature and title.

The second part of the edition, was hand-signed and numbered by the artist. It was an edition of 75 (with 20 hors commerce)

The title (and to a degree the image) of this artwork references an 18th century erotic French allegorical book of the same title. In it, the owner of a magic ring is able to hear the exploits of women's genitals.

Today, this work can be found in numerous collections including , and amongst others. 

It is listed in Magritte’s catalogue raisonné "The Graphic Work of René Magritte" (1982) among other publications.

Custom framing options or additional images available on request. 

Questions about this piece?  or call 1.416.704.1720

Signed and numbered by the artist 

Lithograph, from an edition of 75

Published by XXe Siècle Éditions

Printed by Mourlot, Paris

16"H 22"W 

Very good condition.

Detailed condition report by request

Provenance: Gallery Moos, Toronto 

(From the Estate of Walter Moos, Toronto)