Girl kneeling, her arms on a chair

Balthus’s Girl kneeling, her arms on a chair exemplifies his mastery of figurative Expressionism, capturing a quiet, contemplative moment. Created in 1938, the artwork embodies his refined technique, often combining pencil on paper, emphasizing subtle lines and tonal variations. This piece functions as a sketch and study, revealing Balthus’s interest in the preparatory stages of his art. The genre leans towards introspective realism, where the title hints at a direct, intimate pose that invites reflection on stillness and poise within the artistic process.