Children 1937

This painting of children in a classroom was made by Balthus, who was a French modern artist. Here we see a young girl writing on the floor while a boy looks on with an inscrutable gaze, and there is no doubt that this peculiar composition raises questions of just what Balthus is trying to represent. We might consider the social conditions in France that shaped the artist's work. How might the setting of a classroom speak to the conservative or progressive aspects of society in the mid-twentieth century? It is important to understand that institutionalized learning has been understood differently at different times in France. What is the role of the school and the student within society? Is there commentary here on class or gender roles? To better understand the work, it is important to reflect on social and institutional contexts and to consult historical documents. What can these tell us? The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.