“The Golden Fruit,” crafted by the artist Balthus in 1956, is a genre painting rendered in oil on canvas, belonging to the Expressionism art movement. This artwork, measuring 160.5 x 159 cm, resides within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a serene domestic scene, where a young girl is seen resting on a couch, perhaps lost in slumber or deep thought. Her attire, composed of a blue top and a green skirt, contrasts subtly with the richly patterned and colorful upholstery of the couch. Adjacent to her, on a table adorned with a white tablecloth, rest various tea-time objects including a teapot and cups, evoking a sense of tranquil everyday life. Behind the girl, a figure stands holding a luminous golden fruit, positioned as if offering or presenting it. The background’s earthy tones and furniture accentuate the intimate and contemplative nature of the scene. The overall composition and muted color palette reflect the nuanced emotional depth characteristic of Expressionism.
