The artwork is a poster created by Rene Magritte for the International Festival of Cinema and Fine Arts in Brussels in 1947. Created in Brussels, Belgium, the piece belongs to the Surrealism art movement and is an exemplar of poster art from that era.
The artwork prominently features an intricately detailed blue-toned bust of a classical statue, with a rectangular void where the face should be, resting against a muted background encased by red curtains on either side. The enigmatic style reflects the hallmarks of Surrealism, inviting viewers to ponder the interplay between absence and presence. Beneath the central image, the poster bears bold typography that announces the event as “FESTIVAL MONDIAL DU FILM ET DES BEAUX-ARTS BRUXELLES,” clearly indicating the festival’s name, location, and date, which is from June 1 to June 30, 1947. The design combines classical elements with surreal abstraction, creating a thought-provoking visual experience that was likely intended to draw attention and intrigue.
