Not to Be Reproduced by René Magritte - 1937 - 81.3 × 65 cm private collection Not to Be Reproduced by René Magritte - 1937 - 81.3 × 65 cm private collection

Not to Be Reproduced

oil on canvas • 81.3 × 65 cm
  • René Magritte - November 21, 1898 - August 15, 1967 René Magritte 1937
This painting was commissioned by poet and Magritte patron Edward James and is considered a portrait of James although James' face is not depicted. This painting was one of three produced by Magritte for the ballroom of James' London home. The work depicts a man standing in front of a mirror, but whereas the book on the mantelpiece is reflected correctly, the man can see only the back of his head. The book on the mantel is a well-worn copy of Edgar Allan Poe's The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket. Poe was one of Magritte's favorite authors and he made other references to the author and his work. For example, the title of the painting The Domain of Arnheim (1938) was taken from the Poe short story of the same name.