The artwork known as “Patience” was created by the artist Balthus in 1955. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the Expressionism movement and is categorized as a genre painting. The artwork is currently held within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a solitary female figure leaning on a table, engrossed in quiet contemplation. Her posture conveys a sense of stillness and introspection, as she rests one arm on the table while the other supports her head. The room, minimally furnished, includes a candle on the table, suggesting a time of reflection or waiting. The muted color palette and light brushstrokes exemplify the Expressionist approach, emphasizing emotional depth over fine detail. At her feet, a cat appears to be idly engaged in grooming, adding to the tranquil ambiance of the scene. The overall composition, with its quiet tension and subdued tones, invites viewers to ponder the deeper narrative underlying this moment of patience and reverie.