A recently discovered drawing by René Magritte, purchased on eBay for $1,580, will headline Rago/Wright's Post War & Contemporary Art auction on May 21. The untitled work on paper, executed in ballpoint pen, colored pencil, and pencil, depicts oversize chess pieces amid soft clouds—motifs Magritte used throughout his career. It is estimated to sell for between $100,000 and $150,000. The drawing once belonged to Mora Henskens, companion of Magritte's close friend Harry Torczyner, and was acquired directly from the artist's widow, Georgette Berger Magritte, after his death in 1967. It remained in Henskens's collection until 2022, when it sold through a smaller auction house before resurfacing on eBay.
This story matters because it highlights the enduring potential for major discoveries in the secondary market, even on consumer platforms like eBay. The dramatic price jump—from $1,580 to a six-figure estimate—underscores the value of provenance and the continued demand for works by canonical Surrealist artists. It also serves as a reminder that overlooked or misidentified artworks can still yield significant returns, reinforcing the importance of due diligence and expert knowledge in the art market.