The Yonne Valley 1957

Balthus made this painting of the Yonne Valley in 1957, and it’s all about how he builds up layers and layers of thin paint to create something that feels both real and dreamlike. Check out the way the colors shift and blend, like a memory fading in and out. The paint isn't thick or showy; it’s almost like he’s trying to hide the process, but you can still see how each little brushstroke adds to the overall effect. Look at the trees in the foreground. The dark lines that make up the branches feel both delicate and strong, like they're holding the whole scene together. There's something about the way he captures the light that makes it feel like you could step right into the painting. Balthus always had a way of making the ordinary feel a little bit strange and magical, a bit like Morandi, but with a completely different vibe. It's not about perfection; it’s about capturing a feeling, a moment, a way of seeing the world that’s uniquely his.