Early Years and Family Background

Balthus (Balthasar Klossowski), a Polish-French modern artist, was born on February 29, 1908, in Paris. His given name was Balthasar Klossowski, with the sobriquet "Balthus" derived from his childhood nickname. Balthus's family background is shrouded in mystery, with claims of belonging to the Polish petty nobility (the drobna szlachta) and bearing the Rola coat of arms.

Artistic Career and Controversy

Balthus is known for his erotically charged images of pubescent girls, as well as the refined, dreamlike quality of his imagery. Throughout his career, he rejected conventional art world norms, insisting that his paintings be seen rather than read about. This enigmatic approach has contributed to the mystique surrounding his work.

• The King of the Cats (Symbolism), a notable painting by Balthus, showcases his unique style and can be found on WahooArt.com.
• Other artists, like Marc Chagall, have also explored the realm of Cubism, as seen in Russian Village Under the Moon (126 x 104 cm, Cubism, Oil On Canvas) on WahooArt.com.

Museums and Exhibitions

Balthus's work has been featured in various museums, including the Musée Picasso, which is dedicated to showcasing Picasso's art. The museum holds over 5,000 works of art by the artist, as well as archived pieces from his personal repository. For more information on Balthus and other artists, visit WahooArt.com.

Legacy and Later Life

Balthus passed away on February 18, 2001, in Rossinière, Switzerland. His legacy continues to intrigue art enthusiasts, with his unique approach to painting and his enigmatic persona. To explore more of Balthus's work and that of other notable artists, visit WahooArt.com or read about his life on Wikipedia.

Early Life and Influences

Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, known by his pseudonym Balthus, was a French artist born on February 29, 1908, in Paris. His early life was marked by influences from his family's cultural elite background. Balthus's father, Erich Klossowski, was an art historian who wrote a monograph on Daumier, and his mother Elisabeth Dorothea Spiro (known as the painter Baladine Klossowska) was part of the Parisian cultural scene.

Artistic Career

Balthus's artistic career began in earnest with his first exhibition in Paris in 1934, featuring works like The Guitar Lesson, which sparked controversy due to its sexually explicit depiction. This early work was influenced by pre-Renaissance painters and the writings of Emily Brontë, Lewis Carroll, and Simone Martini.

• La Rue (1933) and La Toilette de Cathy (1933) are notable works from this period, showcasing Balthus's unique style.
• His favorite composer was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, reflecting his appreciation for the classical and the sensual aspects of art.

Controversy and Later Life

Balthus's later life was marked by controversy surrounding his ancestry. Despite claims of not having Jewish heritage, his mother's true ancestry remains a topic of debate.

• Balthus's relationship with his Japanese wife, Setsuko Ideta, whom he married in 1967, added to the air of mystery around him.
• The Balthus Foundation, established in 1998 by his widow, Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, continues to promote his work and legacy.

Legacy and Influence

Balthus's influence can be seen in various contemporary artists, including Jan Saudek, Will Barnet, Duane Michals, John Currin, Eli Levin, Emile Chambon, and Elena Zolotnitsky.

• His style, primarily classical, has been influenced by numerous artists, including Masaccio, Piero della Francesca, Simone Martini, Poussin, Jean Etienne Liotard, Joseph Reinhardt, Géricault, Ingres, Goya, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, Courbet, Edgar Degas, Félix Vallotton, and Paul Cézanne.
• As an important 20th-century artist, Balthus's work continues to be widely recognized and admired.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

• Girl at a Window (1957), featured in François Truffaut's film Domicile Conjugal (Bed & Board, 1970).
• Exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art (1956) and the gallery of Pierre Matisse (1934) showcased Balthus's unique style.

• View more works by Balthus on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@/Balthasar-Klossowski](https://WahooArt.com/@/balthasar-klossowski)
• Explore the Museum of Modern Art's collection on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3AQWM-The-Museum-of-Modern-Art-(United-States)-A-Comprehensive-Overview](https://WahooArt.com/@@/a@d3aqwm-the-museum-of-modern-art-(united-states)-a-comprehensive-overview)
• Discover more about Balthus's life and work on Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balthazar_Klossowski](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/balthazar_klossowski)

WahooArt provides an extensive collection of Balthus's works, offering a comprehensive overview of his artistic style and legacy.