I've always liked Magritte. He also is known for his men in bowler hats- as I am sure I don't have to tell you! LOL
His personal story is very sad and strange. I don't remember all of it, but I do remember that his mother was found washed up on the beach with a sheet covering her face and that image comes up again and again in his art.
I saw The Persistance of Time in person while in high school and I was shocked at how small it is. I guess because it's a so famous I imagined it would be huge.
I have to agree with you. That's the one work of art that has ever been disappointing in person. Most artworks are so much more awesome in person.