“The Symmetrical Trick,” a surrealist artwork by René Magritte, was created in 1928 in Paris, France. This symbolic painting, rendered in oil on canvas, measures 54 x 73 cm. The composition is quintessentially surreal, embodying elements that challenge conventional perception.
The artwork reveals a central human form seen from the back, shrouded in fabric, juxtaposed with two similarly draped but unidentified shapes on either side. The central figure’s bare lower back contrasts sharply with the concealed forms, creating a provocative interplay between the seen and the hidden. The draping evokes a sense of mystery, common in Magritte’s work, compelling viewers to question what lies beneath. The background is stark and minimalist, emphasizing the surreal and symbolic elements of the composition. This piece is emblematic of Magritte’s exploration of reality versus illusion, a recurrent theme in his oeuvre.
