Time Transfixed (La Durée poignardée, 1938) is an Oil on canvas painting by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte. It is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and is now on display in the museum's new Modern Wing.
The painting was one of many done for surrealist patron and Magritte supporter Edward James. This was the second painting delivered to James for his London ballroom. The first was the portrait of James, Not to ...
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Time Transfixed (La Durée poignardée, 1938) is an Oil on canvas painting by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte. It is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and is now on display in the museum's new Modern Wing.
The painting was one of many done for surrealist patron and Magritte supporter Edward James. This was the second painting delivered to James for his London ballroom. The first was the portrait of James, Not to be Reproduced. Time Transfixed was purchased by the Art Institute from James in 1970 when he was raising capital to build his surrealist sculpture garden Las Pozas.
The painting depicts a "Black Five" locomotive jutting out of a fireplace, at full speed, in an empty room. The clock and candlestick are reflected in the mirror on the mantle, suggesting that there are neither people nor furniture in the room.
The title of the painting translates to English literally as "Ongoing Time Stabbed by a Dagger" and Magritte was reportedly unhappy with...
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