Advertisment for "Norine" 1925

This is René Magritte's Advertisement for "Norine," a commercial illustration that exists beyond its initial purpose. It provides insight into the artist’s early career and the cultural moment of its creation. Originally made for a fashion designer, Norine, the image encapsulates the avant-garde aesthetics of the 1920s. The figure exudes an androgynous elegance, defying traditional gender norms. The cut of the coat and the model’s pose speak to the shifting roles of women in society and a rebellion against restrictive sartorial conventions. Yet, the pistol introduces a sense of unease, hinting at the political tensions simmering beneath the surface of interwar Europe. Magritte's surrealist leanings transform the advertisement into an exploration of identity, desire, and the hidden undercurrents of modern life. It makes you wonder, what is this figure protecting and from whom?