Balthus
1908–2001 · French · 30 artworks
ExpressionismSurrealismMagic RealismPrecise realism with dreamlike qualitiesUnsettling subject matterClassical compositionMuted color palettesPsychological tension
artist bio
Balthus, a 20th-century French artist, is known for his enigmatic and unsettling paintings, particularly those depicting adolescent girls. His work blends elements of Surrealism, Expressionism, and classical painting, creating a unique and often controversial visual language.
what you'll learn
Studying Balthus allows students to explore themes of adolescence, voyeurism, and psychological tension in art. Students can also learn about the use of unsettling imagery and ambiguous narratives to evoke complex emotions.
related: Edward Hopper, Pierre Bonnard, Rene Magritte
30 artworks
Princess Maria Volkonsky at the age of twelve
1945
difficulty
Montecalvello
1979
difficulty
Katia reading
1974
difficulty
Thérèse
1938
difficulty
The Yonne Valley
1957
difficulty
Large Landscape with a Tree
1957
difficulty
The Cherry Tree
1940
difficulty
Young Girl at the Window
1957
difficulty
Landscape with Oxen
1942
difficulty
The Golden Fruit
1956
difficulty
Portrait of Baroness Alain de Rothschild
1958
difficulty
Still Life (quince and pear)
1956
difficulty
Nude in Profile
1975
difficulty
Three sisters
1964
difficulty
Andre Derain
1936
difficulty
Big Landscape with Cow
1958
difficulty
The bouquet of roses on the window
1958
difficulty
Joan Miro and his daughter Dolores
1937
difficulty
The Mediterranean Cat
1949
difficulty
Larchant
1939
difficulty
The white skirt
1937
difficulty
Girl at the window
1955
difficulty
Patience
1955
difficulty
Landscape in Chassy
difficulty
Great landscape with trees (The triangular field)
1955
difficulty
Pastoral
1960
difficulty
Painter and his Model
1981
difficulty
Self-portrait
1940
difficulty
The Fear of Ghosts
1933
difficulty
Still Life
1956
difficulty