Bijoux Indiscrets c. 1963

This print, "Bijoux Indiscrets," was created by René Magritte using lithography, a process that allows for the mass production of images. Take a close look, and you’ll see that the velvety texture comes from the use of a lithographic crayon on the printing stone. This technique gives the image a soft, almost dreamlike quality, perfectly suited to Magritte’s surrealist vision. The hand hovers over a simple plane, composed of bands of color, achieved through the careful layering of inks. Lithography emerged in the 19th century, democratizing image-making. It allowed artists to reach a broader audience through affordable reproductions. In this context, "Bijoux Indiscrets" is not just a work of art, but also a product of industrial processes, blurring the lines between fine art and commercial production. Magritte's choice of this medium reflects his engagement with the world around him, challenging traditional notions of artistic value and craftsmanship.