(ANSA) - ROME - A big exhibition celebrates in Rome - 15 years after his death - Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, aka Balthus (1908-2001), an artist who was born in Paris to a Polish father and a Russian mother, one of the most original and enigmatic personalities of the twentieth century.

About two hundred works, including paintings, drawings and photographs, coming from the most important European and American museums - as well as from private collections - are exhibited in two locations: at the 'Scuderie del Quirinale', hosting his most famous masterpieces, and Villa Medici, hosting the works the artist created during his stay in Rome. Since 1961 and for 17 years, Balthus has headed the Academy of France in Villa Medici. During this period, the artist extended his practice of drawing and painting and faced the huge challenge of a restoration plan for the building and the historic gardens.

(ANSA).