(Paris, 1908-Vaud, Switzerland, 2001)
French painter of polish decent, who is considered one of the leading 20th century artists in the figurative tradition.
A self-trained artist, Balthus taught himself to paint by copying the Renaissance masters at the Louvre Museum, Paris.
Balthus gained international fame after his solo-exhibitions at the Wildendstein Gallery, Paris, Leferve Gallery, London and the Pierre Matisse Gallery in New York. The artist is renowned for his elaborate and distinctive depiction of adolescent sexuality
MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS
Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, U.S.
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco San Francisco, U.S.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Washington D.C., U.S.
Indiana University Art Museum Indiana, U.S.
Tate Gallery London, U.K.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts Minnesota, U.S.