“The Mark,” created by René Magritte in 1948 in Brussels, Belgium, is a surrealist still life artwork measuring 65 by 80 centimeters. The painting epitomizes Magritte’s contribution to the Surrealism art movement, incorporating abstract and symbolic elements that challenge conventions.
The artwork features a bold and visually striking composition. Dominated by vivid and contrasting colors, the painting portrays an object draped in a green fabric with a red and white checkered pattern. This central object, which appears to be a piece of meat resting on the fabric, is set against a dynamic and dramatic background. The background is filled with multicolored streaks converging towards a fiery red sphere, reminiscent of a sunburst. The deliberate use of intense hues and the surreal juxtaposition of elements elicit a sense of intrigue and contemplation, inviting viewers to explore the deeper meanings and hidden symbolism within the composition.