Balthus: cats and girls
Artist: Sabine Rewald
Year: 2013-2014
Date of Action:
Region: North America
Location: Metropolitan museum of Art
Subject: Explicit Sexuality, Sexual/Gender Orientation
Medium: Painting
Confronting Bodies:
Description of Artwork: “‘The artist of this painting, Balthus, had a noted infatuation with pubescent girls and this painting is undeniably romanticizing the sexualization of a child.' Her petition continues: 'Given the current climate around sexual assault and allegations that become more public each day, in showcasing this work for the masses, The Met is romanticizing voyeurism and the objectification of children."
The Incident: Paintings at the MET, critiqued/challenged, protested
Results of Incident: Not provided yet.
Source:
• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5140483/New-York-woman-starts-petition-Balthus.html,
• https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/oct/21/balthus-cats-girls-paintings-provocations-metropolitan-review