René Magritte (1898–1967) was a Belgian surrealist painter renowned for his thought-provoking and witty images that challenge observers' perceptions of reality. Born in Lessines, Belgium, Magritte began his artistic journey studying at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. His early career included work in advertising, which influenced his precise and illustrative painting style. Magritte's art is characterized by the juxtaposition of ordinary objects in unusual contexts, giving new meanings to familiar things. Notable works include The Treachery of Images (1929), which depicts a pipe with the caption "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" ("This is not a pipe"), challenging the relationship between objects and their representations. Another iconic piece, The Son of Man (1964), features a man in a bowler hat with his face obscured by a floating green apple, exemplifying Magritte's exploration of hidden realities. His influence extends beyond the art world, impacting literature, film, and popular culture. Magritte's legacy continues to captivate audiences, with his works housed in major museums worldwide, including the Musée Magritte Museum in Brussels, which holds the largest collection of his art.