What you are looking at
A realistic tobacco pipe floats above a line of neat handwriting that says, in French, This is not a pipe.
Why it is famous
Magritte's point is simple and endless: it is not a pipe, it is a picture of a pipe. The painting is a favorite example in discussions of how images and words work.
How big is The Treachery of Images?
The Treachery of Images measures 60.3 × 81.12 cm (23.7 × 31.9 in), without its frame. It is roughly the same size as the Mona Lisa.
Compare it with other paintings
Where to see it
It is at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Museums move and lend paintings. Check the museum's website before you travel to see one work. See all famous paintings in Los Angeles.
More by René Magritte
Frequently asked questions
Who painted The Treachery of Images?
René Magritte painted The Treachery of Images in 1929.
Where is The Treachery of Images?
The Treachery of Images is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, United States.
How big is The Treachery of Images?
60.3 × 81.12 cm (23.7 × 31.9 in). It is roughly the same size as the Mona Lisa.
What is The Treachery of Images made with?
Oil on canvas.
Sources: Wikidata Q1061035; Wikipedia, "The Treachery of Images". Checked October 17, 2026. How we check.