The artwork, titled “Study for the Siesta,” was created by the artist Balthus in 1958. This work, executed using watercolor on paper, falls under the genre of sketches and studies. It belongs to the Expressionism art movement, characterized by its expressive and emotive style.
In the artwork, one can observe a delicate assembly of flowers rendered in a light and whimsical manner. The floral arrangement is dominated by a vibrant red blossom at the center, accompanied by various other smaller blooms in hues of yellow, blue, and orange. These elements are loosely sketched with an emphasis on color, embodying a sense of casual elegance and natural beauty. The soft, almost ethereal application of watercolor imparts an atmosphere of tranquility and simplicity to the piece. The visible brushstrokes and the subtle blending of colors further enhance the expressive quality of this study, capturing a fleeting moment of serene beauty.