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An extraordinary canvas from the renowned surrealist painter Magritte that has remained in one private collection for more than 90 years is scheduled to be sold this October.

This Fascinating Story Of this Artwork

The painting was first acquired by the relatives of Spaak, a Second World War resistance heroine who acted as Magritte's supporter at an time when he faced difficulties economically and failed to move a single piece over two years.

Spaak was executed at the hands of Nazi forces in the French capital due to her efforts in helping young Jewish individuals find safety.

Auction Projections with Anticipations

This fine art firm has estimated that La Magie Noire could sell for between five million euros to seven million euros, however experts expect that it will reach a greater price.

“It is the initial instance I’ve managed an important Magritte work that has stayed with one family from its creation,” stated a senior auction house official. “It is remarkable, as is the history of the family.”

He also described the painting as the superstar of surrealism,” noting that “If you were to request a group of schoolchildren to do a presentation about the surrealist movement, this painting by itself would be sufficient to explain it.”

Magritte's Early Challenges with Professional Development

This Belgian painter initially worked as an artist in a wallpaper plant also created commercial ads until 1926, at which point Magritte produced his first avant-garde work.

A year later, he held his debut exhibition in Brussels, but reviewers were savage and a dismayed the artist relocated to Paris, in which he failed to establish a name for himself.

He went back to Belgium in 1930 and established an advertising agency alongside his sibling Paul Magritte.

The artist's life was quite hard at this time. The economic crisis that started in 1929 in the US hit France in the early 1930s. For two years, between 1930 to 1932, Magritte sold nothing and had no exhibitions,” the specialist stated.

“Nobody purchased paintings by surrealists. These artists were considered revolutionary troublemakers.”

The Role of his Patrons

The spouse, Claude Spaak, a celebrated Belgian-born writer, knew Magritte acting as a benefactor, commissioning portraits of his wife and children while also arranging regular financial support for Magritte and his family.

In 1934, the sibling Alice Lorge, called Bunny, acquired La Magie Noire to celebrate the birth of her newborn with Emile Happe, an industrial businessman.

“The Spaak family represented for Belgium like the Mountbattens were for Britain; almost aristocratic and they helped the artist through hard times,” the expert said. “It was bought to commemorate the arrival of a child but it was a revival for Magritte as he was trying to get himself back on his feet.”

Painting Features and Meaning

The model for the series had been his spouse, Georgette, she is depicted in a classic style resembling a sculpted figure placing her hand on a block of stone.

Her torso gradually blends into the sky in the background whereas her lower half maintains its natural tone.

The artist later created 10 similar works, most of which were given distinct titles. In this work, the first in the series, Berger is portrayed with a dove perched on her shoulder.

A portion of the background displays a partially paneled wall inside.

Suzanne Spaak’s Courageous Resistance Activities

The couple resided in the French capital when war broke out in the late 1930s.

Following the German takeover of Paris, she joined the underground and served as a member in the “Red Orchestra” intelligence unit.

Spaak used her wealth to rescue over 160 Jewish youngsters from being deported, hiding a number of them in her residence until they were relocated to secure locations.

Tragic End and Historical Impact

In October 1943, the Nazis captured Spaak along with 600 members of the network.

On 12 August 1944, just before the freeing of the city, Nazi agents executed Spaak in captivity. She was 38 and was later recognized by Israel as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for her actions in saving Jewish people.

Magritte died from cancer in August 1967 and is buried in Brussels.

Display and Sale Timeline

This artwork, previously shown at the Magritte museum in Brussels, has been rarely seen outside Belgium over nine decades.

La Magie Noire will be shown in the French capital between 17 and 23 October prior to the auction on October 24.