Drawing room 1942

"Drawing Room" (1942) by Balthus depicts a scene of quiet domesticity with a hint of mystery. The painting features two young girls in a richly appointed room, one lounging on a chaise longue, the other kneeling on the floor, seemingly engrossed in a book. The composition is characterized by its stillness, with the girls' poses and the muted tones of the interior creating an atmosphere of contemplation and subtle tension. This painting, now in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, is a notable example of Balthus's signature style, which often explores themes of childhood, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships.