“The Metropolitan Museum of Art will not remove a controversial painting by the French painter known as Balthus from public display. The painting, entitled “Thérèse Dreaming” (1938), depicts a young girl in a suggestive pose that leaves her underwear visible.
In reference to the museum’s decision, the Met’s chief communications officer, Ken Weine, said, “Moments such as this provide an opportunity for conversation, and visual art is one of the most significant means we have for reflecting on both the past and the present and encouraging the continuing evolution of existing culture through informed discussion and respect for creative expression.”