“The Golden Days,” an oil painting on canvas by Balthus, dates from approximately 1944 to 1945. This genre painting, measured at 199 by 148 centimeters, belongs to the Expressionism movement. It is housed in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC, US.
The artwork depicts a serene yet slightly unsettling domestic scene. A young woman reclines languidly on a cushion chair near a lit fireplace, exuding a sense of relaxed intimacy. The subtle use of muted tones juxtaposes with the warm glow of the fire, enhancing the overall enigmatic and contemplative ambiance. An individual tends to the fire, partially hidden, further intriguing the viewer by their ambiguous presence. The composition creates a delicate balance between ordinary domesticity and a mysterious, almost surreal atmosphere, characteristic of Balthus’s distinctive style.
