The pioneers and visionaries that founded the amazing movement of surrealism are now among some of the most sought after works of art in the world. Christie’s are proud to announce a brand new variety of daring and desirable surreal works in their upcoming Auction for the Art of the Surreal.

Surrealism broke the bindings set on it by the impressionist and modern ear, forging ahead with bold and audacious ideas. The auction will represent some of the most influential names in the surrealist movement such as Max Ernst, Rene Magritte, Oscar Dominguez and Juan Miro.

A unique painting by Juan Miro will form one of the highlights of the auction it highlights some of the earliest stages of this renowned and influential artists in modern art. Titled L’Echelle de L’Evasion it represents a significant turning point in his career. Painted during his time in Normandy, France right before the outbreak of the Second World War

. The title itself directly translates from French as the Ladder of Escape. The uncanny connection between the starry night sky and the earth below can be considered as a symbol of his desire to escape the harsh realities of Europe. The abstractions, bird figures, people and figuration are all woven together in a complex tapestry that is the result of the creative act. His creativity was limited to the canvas, during his career he experiment with the medium of sculpting; creating a number of large scale bronzes. On of his earlier works, called the Femme Debout will be seen in public for the first time in over 30 years.

The auction will also feature another first; The Water Nymphs by Paul Delvaux will be making its first appearance at an auction. Also created tense and uncertain years before the outbreak of the Second World War, it is one of his darker and more atmospheric works. The strong brazen nudes with their light almost careless matter clash powerful with the bleak landscape portrayed around them.

A remarkable collection of nine works by Rene Magritte will form the largest representation of the surrealist artist since Christie’s Harry Torczyner sale in 1998. The works coming under the hammer feature strongly his characteristic blend of radically unrelated elements. Le Plagiat for example brings together outdoor elements and vast open spaces with small confined settings. While Tous Le Jour with its dramatic landscape and gleeful disruption of traditional portraiture elements.

These are only a few of the many works that will be found at the upcoming auction. For art lovers around the world it is an ideal opportunity to discover some of the most influential artists in the modern era.

Text by Sean Hagerty

Image Courtesy Of Christies | Image Courtesy Of Christies