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Lot Essay
C. Spencer, Léon Bakst and the Ballet Russes, London, 1995 for more information on Bakst and the Ballet Russes.
The renowned Russian theater designer and illustrator Léon Bakst began designing sets and costumes for the Ballet Russes productions in 1909. Within five years, he was also designing for several other groups including the Paris Opera. His novel use of Oriental patterns and vibrant colors for costumes of the Ballet Russes became "the sensation of the art galleries, and the predominating influence of the fashion world," according to the program for the Ballet's 1916 tour of America. Work on the ballet Daphnis and Chloë began in 1909 between the composer Maurice Ravel, the choreographer Michel Fokine, and Bakst as the designer. To achieve the bold patterns of their costumes, Bakst employed the techniques of stenciling, painting and resist-dying techniques.
The abstract, geometric designs of these extraordinary constumes foreshadow the Russian Avant-Garde in the decorative arts. Only a few of these remarkable pieces have survived today.
The renowned Russian theater designer and illustrator Léon Bakst began designing sets and costumes for the Ballet Russes productions in 1909. Within five years, he was also designing for several other groups including the Paris Opera. His novel use of Oriental patterns and vibrant colors for costumes of the Ballet Russes became "the sensation of the art galleries, and the predominating influence of the fashion world," according to the program for the Ballet's 1916 tour of America. Work on the ballet Daphnis and Chloë began in 1909 between the composer Maurice Ravel, the choreographer Michel Fokine, and Bakst as the designer. To achieve the bold patterns of their costumes, Bakst employed the techniques of stenciling, painting and resist-dying techniques.
The abstract, geometric designs of these extraordinary constumes foreshadow the Russian Avant-Garde in the decorative arts. Only a few of these remarkable pieces have survived today.