Balthus

Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, known as Balthus, was a French figurative painter who defied conventional art norms throughout his career. Renowned for his controversial portrayals of young girls, Balthus was one of the pivotal artists of the 20th century.

Biography of Balthus

Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, born in 1908 in Paris, hailed from a family deeply immersed in the world of art and culture. His father, Erich, was a renowned art historian known for his monograph on Honore Daumier. His mother, Elisabeth Dorothea Spiro, also known as Baladine Klossowska, was a respected painter within Paris's cultural elite. His older brother, Pierre, was a philosopher influenced by the Marquis de Sade's works. Raised in such an environment, Balthasar's path to becoming an artist was almost predetermined.

At thirteen, he created a series of forty drawings narrating the tale of a young boy and his cat. The project was heavily influenced by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, who happened to be his mother's lover at the time. Published when Balthasar was just a teenager, the series astonished the public upon learning about its young author. In 1926, he traveled to Florence, where he meticulously copied frescoes by the legendary Piero della Francesca. This experience inspired another ambitious project when he adorned the walls of a public church in the Swiss village of Beatenberg with remarkable frescoes in 1927.

Between 1930 and 1932, the young artist resided in Morocco, where he later served in the Moroccan infantry in Kenitra and Fes, assuming a secretarial role that allowed him ample time for painting. One notable piece from this time is "La Caserne" (1933).

In 1933, Balthus established his first Paris studio on Rue de Furstemberg. Notably, the artist showed no interest in Cubism, rejecting its influence outright. Instead, he adhered to traditional techniques, portraying young girls in erotic and voyeuristic poses, exemplified by "The Guitar Lesson" (1934).

As expected, Balthus' controversial subjects, particularly his sexually explicit depictions of young girls, earned him a provocative reputation among the public. In 1937, he married Antoinette de Watteville, a member of an influential aristocratic family from Bern whom he had known for many years; she had frequently posed as his model. During this pinnacle of his career, Balthus received acclaim from influential figures of the time, including André Breton and Pablo Picasso. He maintained friendships with prominent figures in the Parisian art scene, such as Joan Miró and Alberto Giacometti.

The years leading up to and during World War II marked a significant decline in Balthus' artistic output. Following the invasion of France by German forces, he and his wife Antoinette sought refuge in Savoy, settling on a farm in Champrovent near Aix-les-Bains. During this period, Balthus commenced work on two major paintings: "Landscape near Champrovent" (1942–1945) and "The Living Room" (1942).

The war years were challenging as the artist relocated frequently throughout Europe and played a role in the French resistance to some extent. In 1948, his career took a new direction when his friend Albert Camus enlisted him to design the sets and costumes for his play titled "L'État de Siège." Balthus accepted the project and delivered outstanding work.

The artist continued to work on various theatrical productions, notably creating sets for Barrault's adaptation of "Julius Caesar" in 1959. During a period, he resided with his step-niece Frédérique Tison at Chateau de Chassy in the Morvan, where he completed significant works such as "La Chambre" (1952) and "Le Passage du Commerce Saint-André" (1954).

As his renown expanded internationally with exhibitions worldwide, Balthus deliberately crafted an enigmatic persona, shrouding his career in mystery. In 1964, he relocated to Rome, assuming the role of director at the French Academy. During this time, he developed a close friendship with renowned filmmaker Federico Fellini.

In 1977, Balthus relocated to Rossinière, a municipality in Switzerland's Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut district. There, he resided with his second wife, Setsuko, whom he married in 1967 after meeting her during a diplomatic mission in Japan. 

Throughout his later career, Balthus remained steadfast in his commitment to classical principles, eschewing involvement in contemporary movements or styles and remaining dedicated to traditional techniques. Interestingly, he was among the few living artists whose work was featured in the Louvre; his painting "The Children" (1937) was acquired from Pablo Picasso's private collection and displayed in the renowned French museum.

The artist passed away in Rossinière in 2001. His funeral attracted a large number of visitors, including numerous prime ministers, artists, and rock stars. Following Balthus's death, numerous biographies of the artist emerged, unveiling the private life of one of history's most intriguing artists.