“Drawing Room” by the artist Balthus, created circa 1943, is a compelling piece characteristic of the Expressionist movement. Rendered as a genre painting, the artwork measures 113.7 x 146.7 cm, demonstrating a meticulous balance between form and emotion inherent to the artistic style of the period.
The artwork depicts an intimate interior scene of a drawing room. At the center, a girl is seen reclining languidly on a plush green settee, her left arm extended over the back, while her right arm rests casually at her side. Her attire—a blue dress paired with a red shawl—contrasts with the green upholstery, creating a visually arresting composition. A table, adorned by a rich drapery and a bowl of vivid red apples, separates the girl from another figure: a second girl sprawled on the floor in the foreground, engrossed in her activity. This figure, dressed in a darker ensemble, appears to be drawing or writing on a piece of paper set on the floor. The setup includes a piano to the right with sheet music atop it, and the overall composition is imbued with a serene, almost timeless quality, punctuated by the natural hues and the soft play of light and shadow.
