Peachy at The Met: Balthus: Cats and Girls—Paintings and Provocations on View at Metropolitan Museum Beginning September 25 September 25, 2013–January 12, 2014 Exhibition Location: Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall Our Coverage Sponsored by Paul Mayer Attitudes
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Do read our original coverage from the Met announcing this wonderful exhibit:
What an original concept! The above highlight Mitsou, who was Balthus's cat when he was young. The Mitsou room was the most touching aspect of the whole exhibit and it's in the back right, not to miss. Balthus was only 11 when he created these pen and ink drawings. Once you see this collection it will become incredibly clear to you why Balthus loved cats.
Meet our artist, Balthus, above. Famous for painting the fashionable circles of Paris, he also liked to contrast that with studies of interesting young girls on the dark side of childhood.
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The exhibit opens Therese Blanchard in the late 1930's. Her expressive and rebellious nature is captivating and projects intelligence, aloofness and stubbornness. We of course think of Madeline and the girls in a line, given that this is in Paris, however this has stronger and different undertones.
It goes without saying that this exhibit is MADE for "cat people."
This dark, brooding exhibit seems entirely appropriate as New York enters the chilly cold phase of our weather.
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Balthus was wounded during the first months of WWII and then went to Savoie in Switzerland, not yet occupied by the Germans. From 1946-53 he, his wife and sons returned to Paris.
The lazy, lounging mood of many paintings here are perfect for an escape to The Met for your own relaxation. It's altogether quite leisurely.
The above, The Cat of La Mediterranee, (1949) was among our most favorite of the entire exhibit. This is a seafood restaurant in Paris that's a favorite with writers and now it's on our list in case we make it to Paris for dinner reviews.
Though the children that are subjects of Balthus's paintings never smile, his CATS DO.
The feasting cat is a self-portrait by Balthus.
You all must see Cats and Girls at The Met, recommended by Whom You Know!
