“Eternity,” an artwork by René Magritte, created in 1935 using oil on canvas, epitomizes the Surrealism art movement. This symbolic painting, with dimensions of 65 x 80.9 cm, is housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US. Originating from Brussels, Belgium, the work exemplifies Magritte’s characteristic ability to subvert traditional visual representations.
The artwork depicts three sculpted heads mounted on individual pedestals, each labeled with distinct numbers. On the left, there is a classical-style head that might evoke religious connotations with its serene yet solemn expression. At the center, an abstract form resembling a cylindrical loaf of bread is presented, with a wooden key embedded noticeably, diverting from typical representational forms and embracing the surrealistic penchant for unexpected juxtapositions. The right-side pedestal showcases another head—this one bearing a striking resemblance to historical or literary figures, marked by a contemplative and somewhat somber visage. The scene is fenced off by a red rope, accentuating a sense of formality and reverence typically associated with museum displays. The piece plays with themes of time, permanence, and the human condition, inviting introspection and interpretation.
