“Pure Reason,” created by the Belgian artist René Magritte in 1948, is a symbolic painting situated within the Surrealist art movement. This artwork was completed in Brussels, Belgium.
The artwork presents a surreal and fantastical landscape characterized by a juxtaposition of elements that challenge conventional perceptions of reality. Dominating the foreground is the depiction of a horse’s head with distinctly human attributes, its mane flowing in a lifelike and elegant manner. This figure stands against a backdrop of unnaturally blue trees, emphasizing the Surrealist intent of blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. The scene is framed by red drapery on either side, enhancing the theatrical and enigmatic atmosphere. In the distance, a rider on horseback, partially concealed by the trees, adds a further layer of intrigue and depth to the composition. The overall effect is one of a dreamlike realm where logic and reason are subtly questioned.
