- 35
Balthus (Balthazar Klossowski de Rola)
Description
- Balthus (Balthazar Klossowski de Rola)
- Katia endormie
- signed Bs (lower right)
- charcoal and crayon on paper
- 100 by 70cm.
- 39 3/8 by 27 1/2 in.
Provenance
Private Collection, U.S.A., (sold: Sotheby’s, New York, 16th November 1989, lot 200)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner
Exhibited
Literature
Virginie Monnier, Balthus. Catalogue raisonné de l’œuvre complet, Paris, 1999, no. D1141, illustrated p. 338
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The brilliant detail and elegant handling of the present work reflect his interest in the classical traditions of draughtsmanship, but the subject matter is one that he made his own. In Katia endormie he captures his young subject in an attitude of graceful repose as she inclines backwards, resting her head to one side. The work is one of a series of drawings picturing Katia in this or a similar pose that he produced at this time. Many of Balthus’ depictions of adolescent girls show them sleeping or daydreaming, still lost in a childish world that distances them from the adults around them. It was a theme that occupied much of his career both in paintings such as Nu aux bras levés (fig. 1) and in his drawings, and led to the creation of a body of work that is unparalleled in its deft evocation of transitory youth.