The moth by Balthus (1959)

The moth, in brief

Title: The moth
Artist: Balthus (1908–2001)
Artist born in: Paris, France
Date: 1959
Movement: Post-Impressionism
Subject: nude figure, interior scene, dim lighting, symbolic art, classical composition, dreamlike mood

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Credit line

Balthus, The moth (1959).

Questions on The moth, answered

What is the creation date of "The moth" by Balthus?

"The moth" dates from 1959. The date places the work within Balthus's career and its era.

What is "The moth" about?

The themes present in "The moth" by Balthus include nude figure, interior scene, dim lighting, symbolic art, classical composition, dreamlike mood, texture rich, muted palette. Together they summarize the artwork's subject matter.

Can the image of "The moth" by Balthus be freely reproduced?

The copyright answer for "The moth" by Balthus: the work is still protected by copyright. This determines whether reproductions of the image may be freely made.

Who is the artist behind "The moth"?

"The moth" is attributed to Balthus.

What art movement does "The moth" by Balthus belong to?

"The moth" is a work of Post-Impressionism. The movement indicates the artistic tradition the work is part of.

Where does "The moth" fall in Balthus's career?

Within Balthus's career, "The moth" falls in the Mature Period. The phase helps compare it with the artist's other works.

What was Balthus's age when "The moth" was created?

Balthus was 51 years old when creating "The moth" in 1959. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1908.

Is "The moth" by Balthus in the public domain, and why?

"The moth" by Balthus is still protected by copyright. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Balthus died in 2001.

Where does "The moth" sit within Balthus's body of work?

Within Balthus's output, "The moth" sits in the Post-Impressionism style, alongside the themes of exploration of the human psyche, contrasting sensuality and restraint, rejection of academic conventions, persistent focus on female form, old master techniques, impressionist light & color, symbolist imagery, classical composition.

About the artist, Balthus

1908–2001, France

Balthus

A World Apart: The Enigmatic Vision of Balthus Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, known to the world as Balthus, remains one of the most compelling and controversial figures in 20th-century art. Born in Paris on February 29, 1908, into a family steeped in intellectual and artistic circles, his life was marked by an early immersion in culture and a deliberate rejection of prevailing artistic trends. His father, Erich Klossowski, was a respected art historian, while his mother, Baladine Klossowska, was a painter herself, fostering an environment where aesthetic contemplation was not merely encouraged but lived. This upbringing instilled in the young Balthus a deep reverence for the Old Masters and a skepticism towards the burgeoning avant-garde movements that dominated the Parisian scene.

About Balthus Notable works by Balthus