The heart of the matter 1928

René Magritte painted what we see here in oil paint, a scene with a shrouded figure, a tuba, and a suitcase. There's something deeply unsettling about the stillness of this composition, like a stage set before the play begins. Magritte’s brushstrokes are deliberate, almost mechanical, which adds to the painting's dreamlike quality. The colors are muted, but they vibrate against each other, creating a subtle tension. Look at the way the tuba reflects the light, as it suggests a potential for sound. The draped figure feels so vulnerable and mysterious, the fabric obscuring their identity, and the way they are touching their neck makes me think about unseen pressures or anxieties. The suitcase seems to suggest a journey, perhaps, or a retreat. Magritte has definitely been looking at de Chirico and early surrealism. He understands the potential of ordinary objects to evoke extraordinary emotions. This is a very beautiful painting and one that stays with you long after you've seen it.