Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The French painter Balthus (b. 1908) is one of the great figure painters of the 20th century. Yet, until now, the full extent of his output has not been known; nearly 100 paintings and numerous drawings, sketchbooks, and even sculptures have escaped notice. This catalogue raisonne, the outcome of years of study, throws a completely new light on the work of an artist who has spent much of his life avoiding attention.
Jean Clair, curator of the 1983 retrospective that confirmed Balthus' international reputation, provides an introductory essay. Virginie Monnier catalogues all 350 known paintings, as well as nearly 1,000 previously unpublished drawings and 50 sketchbooks -- over 2,100 works in all. This long-overdue volume reveals a surprisingly extensive oeuvre, adding new luster to the renown of this formidable and intriguing artist.