René Magritte’s “L’empire des Lumières” (1954) has shattered records, selling for an astonishing $121.2 million at Christie’s in New York. This iconic surrealist work, renowned for its haunting juxtaposition of a tranquil daylit sky and a shadowy nocturnal streetscape, captivated collectors in a dramatic bidding war. The sale not only surpassed its $95 million pre-sale estimate but also established a new benchmark for the Belgian artist, solidifying his place among the most sought-after figures in modern art. This masterpiece, part of the late Mica Ertegun’s celebrated collection, has been hailed as a quintessential representation of Magritte’s enigmatic brilliance.