Sleeping Nude 1980

Balthus made this painting of a sleeping nude in oil paint. The marks are subdued, almost like a fresco, which contributes to the image’s stillness. The painting has a muted palette, with soft blues, browns, and pinks blending to create a dreamy atmosphere. It is unclear whether the paint is thick or thin; it has an evenness that obscures the gestures of the artist. Look at the way Balthus renders the shadows on the sleeping girl's body. They’re not stark or dramatic, but gentle, as if to not disturb her rest. The soft brushwork here is remarkable. Balthus reminds me of Giorgio Morandi, another painter who used a limited palette and repetitive forms to create a sense of quiet contemplation. Like Morandi, Balthus invites us to slow down and contemplate the simple beauty of everyday life. Ultimately, this painting is about the power of art to transform our perception of the world, even in the most ordinary of subjects.