“The False Mirror” is an iconic work by the esteemed artist René Magritte, created in 1928 in Paris, France. This oil painting on canvas, which falls under the Surrealism movement, measures 54 x 80.9 cm. It is classified as an allegorical painting and is currently housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a single large eye centrally positioned on the canvas. The iris of the eye is rendered in an unconventional manner, featuring not the typical detail of an eye but a sky filled with white clouds against a serene blue backdrop. This striking imagery is further juxtaposed by the solid black pupil at the center, creating a sense of depth and mystery. The outer edges of the eye are realistically painted, embodying the detailed textures of the skin surrounding the eye. The work challenges perceptions and evokes introspection, characteristic of Magritte’s exploration of reality and illusion within the Surrealist genre.
