Paris - The French artist Balthus, considered one of the finest realist painters of the 20th century, died yesterday at his home in Switzerland, French media reported. Balthus, whose real name was Balthazar Klossowski de Rola, was 92. French radio said he had been ill for some time but did not give the exact cause of death.
Unlike most of his famous contemporaries, Balthus remained faithful to figurative art and is renowned for his delicate depictions of people and animals. His later works showed adolescent girls absorbed in romantic dreams. He was one of only a handful of living artists to see their works go on show in the Louvre. French President Jacques Chirac said he was deeply moved by news of the painter's death.