This painting, “The Treachery of Images,” by Rene Magritte is a perfect example of what is known as “semiotics.” “Semiotics” refers to the study of the processes of cultural signifiers and symbols. “Semiotics” also develops the theory that argues that their is a separation between the signifier and the signified. Furthermore, this theory states that the signifier, which is in this case is a pipe, can be interpreted for it’s literal meaning or for it’s symbolic meaning or the “mythic role” that has been constructed by culture. In this case, the symbolic meaning of this painting could be in reference to masculinity. Over the years, culture has constructed the symbolic meaning of a pipe in association with mature, wealthy, caucasian, and intelligent men. Therefore, the symbolic meaning of this pipe could be the myth of the perfect distinguished gentleman.
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