Nicholas Fox Weber's Biography Debunks Balthus's Fantastical Life Story
Nicholas Fox Weber's 800-page biography of Balthus (Balthazar Klossowski de Rola) reveals the artist's self-mythologizing, including false claims of noble lineage and Jewish ancestry concealment. Weber prioritizes art analysis over hagiography, balancing admiration with critical scrutiny. The review notes Balthus's antisemitic remarks and contrasts his work with his brother Pierre Klossowski's more audacious oeuvre.
Key facts
- Nicholas Fox Weber wrote an 800-page biography of Balthus.
- Balthus falsely claimed to be a count and descendant of Byron or the King of Poland.
- The artist concealed his mother Baladine's Jewish origins.
- Balthus occasionally made antisemitic remarks.
- Weber's biography combines thorough investigation with admiration but avoids fascination.
- The book prioritizes analysis of Balthus's artwork over personal mythology.
- The reviewer, Jacques Henric, prefers Pierre Klossowski's work over Balthus's.
- The biography was published in 2003 and reviewed in artpress.
Entities
Artists
- Balthus
- Balthazar Klossowski de Rola
- Pierre Klossowski
- Nicholas Fox Weber
- Jacques Henric
Institutions
- artpress
Sources
- artpress —