Balthus: In His Own Words

by Balthus, David Wharry (Translator), Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz (Contributor)

An insightful and candid portrait of the artist Balthus. Presented in the form of ABC questions, Balthus: In His Own Words reveals his personal universe. "B" for beauty, "H" for Homer, "M" for Mozart, "S" for SOS, Balthus takes us through his intimate thoughts and views on everything from Paris to Chinese calligraphy. Balthus (1908-2001) learned how to paint at the Louvre museum and in Italy. A figurative artist, he gained a reputation for his incisive style and incredible precision. Balthus sometimes spent years on one painting, obsessively observing and re-creating on canvas. Later, he focused on the nude, particularly on adolescent girls, which fell halfway between innocence and perversion. As the last book written in his own words before his death, it has even more significance. The artists's voice shines through, offering an authentic and personal perspective.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Balthasar Kłossowski de Rola, known as Balthus, was an esteemed Polish/French modern artist.