Two previously unseen drawings by Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte were sold at auction on Friday for a total of €30,700, according to Brussels-based auction house Arenberg Auctions.
Both pieces were acquired by Belgian buyers.
A charcoal sketch of a nude woman, with a starting price of €3,000, was sold for €24,000. The artwork, dating back to 1920, is signed by the artist. On the reverse side, the same silhouette is depicted in profile with hands crossed behind the back.
Credit: Arenberg Auctions
A pencil drawing showing a woman seated on a balustrade chair fetched €6,700 from an initial price of €2,000.
The two sketches were long owned by Belgian art critic Arthur Tommelein, who lived from 1912 to 1981. According to Arenberg Auctions, he likely discovered them at a flea market or in an art gallery. Tommelein's daughter, who inherited the drawings upon his death, decided to auction them.
Both works have been authenticated by the Magritte Committee, which manages the artist's estate.
Just last month, a Magritte painting was sold in New York for a record-breaking $121.16 million (€114 million).
