Balthus

Balthus, born Balthasar Klossowski de Rola in Paris, France, was a prominent 20th-century painter whose life spanned from 1908 to 2001. He is often associated with the modern art movement, though his work is noted for its classical style and enigmatic subject matter, setting him apart from his contemporaries. Balthus's oeuvre is characterized by its dreamlike quality and often controversial depictions of adolescent girls, which have sparked both admiration and debate. Throughout his career, he maintained a degree of mystery, famously stating that his paintings should speak for themselves. His impact on the art world is marked by his ability to blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, influencing subsequent generations of artists. Key events in his life include his appointment as director of the French Academy in Rome from 1961 to 1977 and his retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1984.