What you are looking at
A man in an overcoat and bowler hat stands in front of a low wall by the sea, and a green apple hovers in front of his face, hiding it.
Why it is famous
Magritte painted it in 1964 as a self-portrait. He talked about how everything we see hides something else we want to see. The bowler hat man became his signature figure.
How big is The Son of Man?
The Son of Man measures 116 × 89 cm (45.7 × 35.0 in), without its frame. Its surface is about 2 times the area of the Mona Lisa.
Compare it with other paintings
Where to see it
It is in a private collection and is only rarely lent to exhibitions.
More by René Magritte
Frequently asked questions
Who painted The Son of Man?
René Magritte painted The Son of Man in 1964.
Where is The Son of Man?
The Son of Man is in a private collection and is rarely shown in public.
How big is The Son of Man?
116 × 89 cm (45.7 × 35.0 in). Its surface is about 2 times the area of the Mona Lisa.
What is The Son of Man made with?
Oil on canvas.
Sources: Wikidata Q1151384; Wikipedia, "The Son of Man". Checked October 17, 2026. How we check.