The artwork “Still Life with a Figure” by Balthus was created in 1942 using oil on wood and belongs to the Expressionism art movement. This genre painting measures 74.4 x 93.4 cm and is currently housed at the Tate Modern in London, UK.
In the artwork, a young figure is present, leaning over a table adorned with a still life composition. The table is covered in a white cloth with a piece of bread, a knife, and a clear glass partially filled with liquid. To the left of the composition, a decorative bowl holds an assortment of apples with lush green foliage. The background features a patterned curtain providing a rich, warm contrast to the otherwise muted tones of the setting. The lighting and shadow create a dramatic effect, elevating the mundane to the extraordinary, a hallmark of the Expressionist movement.
