Despite its rotated point-of-view, Balthus' painting closely resembles that of Magritte's in a number of details. In the Balthus: the white mantel with new embellishments retains its frontal view, thus appearing cubist, the centerpiece, changed from clock to blue vase, the square patterning of the baseboards, and, not least of all, the large, gold-framed mirror.
It may be interesting, furthermore, to note the relationship of the paintings, were one to place them together, the female figure and train confronting one another in a quasi-sexual manner. Balthus, however, has conceded to lower his mantel, so that his lady can see the reflection which is given in neither of the two works.
Balthus – "Figure in Front of a Mantel" (1955)
Seen here...
René Magritte – "Time Transfixed" (1938)
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[Art Edition] This blog is intended as a space within which I will share my findings related to classical music appropriation. Many composers in the past have quoted, borrowed, and recycled the themes and melodies of others. Having already noted many such instances, I hope to include the more interesting, and convincing, examples herein.
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