“The Empire of Lights (Unfinished)” is an artwork created by René Magritte in 1967 in Belgium. This piece, made using oil on canvas, measures 45 x 50.3 cm and belongs to the surrealism art movement. The artwork, categorized within the landscape genre, is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork juxtaposes nocturnal and diurnal elements to create an intriguing and dreamlike scene. A house, illuminated from within by warm lights, stands as the focal point within a dark, shadowy environment. Surrounding this house is a blend of trees or bushes indistinctly merging into the backdrop, which contrasts starkly with the bright, daylight sky above. The presence of a lone figure on horseback adds a sense of mystery and introspection, typical of surrealist works. This remarkable combination of day and night within a single frame prompts viewers to question the boundaries of reality and perception.
