The artwork “Princess Maria Volkonsky at the Age of Twelve,” created by the artist Balthus in 1945, is an oil painting on cardboard. It belongs to the Expressionism art movement and is a portrait genre piece with dimensions of 82 by 64 centimeters.
The artwork depicts a young girl, presumed to be Princess Maria Volkonsky, standing in an upright posture. She is adorned in simple and graceful attire that drapes elegantly over her form, complemented by a delicate shawl. Her expression appears serene and contemplative, embodying an aura of youthful innocence. The background remains subdued and unembellished, drawing the viewer’s attention solely to the figure of the princess. Balthus’s use of muted colors and subtle highlights enhances the portrait’s contemplative and introspective mood.
