The Menaced Assassin

The Menaced Assassin (L'Assassin menacé) is a 1927 oil on canvas painting by Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte.

The main subject of the painting is a blood-smeared nude woman, seen lying on a couch. The assassin of the painting's title, a well-dressed man, stands ready to leave, his coat and hat on a chair next to his bag. He is however delayed by the sound of music, and in an unhurriedly relaxed manner, listens to a gramophone. In the meantime, two men armed with club and net wait in the foyer to ensnare him, as three more men also watch from over the balcony. Outside, we can see snowy mountains. It is a simple painting at first glance, typical of Magritte and surrealist art in general.