Balthus, a renowned 20th-century painter celebrated for his extraordinary talent in depicting interior spaces, earned high praise from art experts, notably Picasso, who regarded him as the ultimate master of interiors. One of his notable works, highlighted in this Expert Voices video, is "La Patience," created in 1943, which portrays a young woman engrossed in a game of solitaire, leaning on a card table, with a nearby jewelry box adding an air of mystery and contemplation. Balthus had a particular fondness for painting card players, drawn to the mental intricacies of the game, and in this piece, the woman exudes both thoughtfulness and a sense of distant reverie. Balthus aimed to infuse his art with the qualities of Mozart, emphasizing universality, grace, and timelessness while avoiding deliberate emotionalism.
Sotheby’s is excited to present this remarkable Balthus artwork in the Modern Evening Auction, 13 November 2023.
