The Metropolitan Museum of Art displays a small collection of Balthus’s paintings of cats and pre-pubescent girls, closing on January 12, 2014. Balthus is regarded for his provocative paintings of girls wearing little to nothing in suggestive poses. The show begins with a selection of paintings focused on a favorite model of his named Therese Blanchard. These works of art portray the young girl as quiet and modest for someone her age, usually found idle or solemnly playing. The paintings of the girl are impressive and evidently well done, but the small cats in the foreground steal the show. By far his best work is done when the subject matter is cats. The cats’ disproportionate sizes, human features and eerie smiles make them peculiar and memorable.

However, as the show continues I found his paintings decline in their appeal. The earlier paintings’ details and portrayal of emotion is not evident in his later images. Although, his topic and choice of subject is interesting, his way of painting I find contrastingly dull and lifeless.  Especially regarding paintings done in the 1950s. By the end of the show, the paintings are so light and without value or contrast that they become almost boring. Furthermore, the lively cats are no longer prominently featured in his work.

His earliest work of all, a collection of 40 ink drawn pictures of his beloved cat Mitsou, I found most astoundingly moving. His talent is undeniable when one sees how he was able to create impressive structures and compositions as well as his capability to emote sadness and bliss at such an early age of 11. His earnest, youthful love for his cat is charming, and contrasts with his sinister infatuation with young girls. Although Balthus’s art is sometimes monotonous, his personality seems complexly endearing and eerie.

photo source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art