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Golconda
The painting depicts a recurring motif of men dressed in similar coats and hats, floating above a city. The name comes from the city of Golconda in India, famous for diamond wealth, symbolizing a legend of riches. The figure closest to the chimney on the right side is a portrait of the poet Louis Scutenaire, a friend of Magritte.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Rene Magritte
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Date of birth and death
21 November 1898 – 15 August 1967
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Natinality
Belgian
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Style
Surrealism with representational technique, ironic juxtapositions, poetic imagery
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Significant works
The Treachery of Images, The Son of Man, The Human Condition, Golconda, The Menaced Assassin
Information about the work
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Year:
1953
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Execution technique:
oil on canvas
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Location:
Menil Collection, Houston, USA
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Theme:
city, repetition, surrealism, wealth, people
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The work explores the theme of individuality versus the mass, confronting repetition and anonymity with the richness and fullness of the world, referencing the symbolism of Golconda's wealth. It shows the surreal effect of a 'group of people' floating above the urban landscape.
The key to interpreting the work
The interpretation should consider the surrealist idea of juxtaposing normal elements in unusual contexts and the symbolism of the title, conveyed by the artist's friend.See other works by this artist
