"Magritte's brand of Surrealism is one that incorporates quotations of many kinds. This work, for instance, is based on 'Le Balcon', a canvas by Edouard Manet. Precisely by these frequent references to other artists, Magritte manages to make art itself the subject of discussion. The idea of personalised coffins – actually, a metamorphosis – was conceived following a drawing of a sittin..." http://www.mskgent.be/en/collection/1920-abstract-art-and-surrealism/rene-magritte-perspectivemanetsbalcony