Lot Essay
This is one of twelve gouaches of exactly the same size which Magritte sent to his dealer Alexander Iolas on 11 March 1948. Magritte described the image, "La Forêt est devenue joyeuse depuis que les arbres se sont transformés en quilles et qu'un gigantesque torse de femme y habite" (R. Magritte, Titres, published posthumously in Magritte, Ecrits, pp. 161-2, Paris, 1948). It was also mentioned in the catalogue for an exhibition of works by Magritte in the Hugo Gallery, New York, 4-29 May 1948, which reads "si les arbres ont changé de forme, c'est pour recevoir la grande inconnue qui leur abandonna son torse".
The present work is closely related to an oil of the same title, painted in the previous year (Sylvester no. 617). The oil version was owned by his brother, Raymond Magritte, and remained in the family collection until its sale in 1979.
Sold with a photo-certificate from David Sylvester dated London, 18 January 1996.
The present work is closely related to an oil of the same title, painted in the previous year (Sylvester no. 617). The oil version was owned by his brother, Raymond Magritte, and remained in the family collection until its sale in 1979.
Sold with a photo-certificate from David Sylvester dated London, 18 January 1996.