“Young Girl at the Window” is an oil on canvas artwork created by Balthus in 1957. This painting is associated with the Expressionism movement and is considered a genre painting, which depicts scenes of everyday life.
The artwork presents a young girl seen from behind, standing at a window with her hands resting on the windowsill. The window frames a view of the outdoors, showcasing a landscape that includes part of a tree with a dense foliage, a wall or barrier of some sort, and buildings in the distance—perhaps a glimpse into a courtyard or a garden area. The colors are muted, with a palette consisting of soft earth tones, greens, and grays, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The sunlight seems to be diffused, suggesting either an overcast day or a setting where the direct sunlight doesn’t overwhelm the view. The attention to the texture of the tree’s leaves and the details of the architecture outside the window contrast with the smooth depiction of the girl’s hair and clothing, creating an interesting interplay between the various surfaces depicted in the piece. The girl’s posture is relaxed yet expectant, as if she is lost in thought or anticipation while looking out into the world outside her immediate environment.
