Columbine

Details

Archibald George Barnes (1887-1972)
Columbine
signed 'Barnes' (lower right)
oil on panel, unframed
9 7/8 x 11 7/8 in. (25.1 x 30.2 cm.)

Provenance

with The Fine Art Society, London by 1925.
F. L. Berry dec.; Christie's London, 12 June 1936, lot 88 (10 gns to Tooth).

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Lot Essay

Columbine is a character in the Ballet Russe ballet Carnaval, which was based on music of the same name by Robert Schumann, and choreographed by the renowned Mikhail Fokine. It premiered in Russia in 1910, but came to international attention after being performed in Berlin later that year with new costumes and sets by Bakst, and starring Vaslav Nijinsky in the lead role of Harlequin. It has no specific story line but consists more of a series of light hearted, humourous scenes. Harlequin is in love with Columbine and begs her to elope with him but she refuses. However when another character, Pantalon, attempts to flirt with her, she confesses her attachment to Harlequin and after more joking and hilarity, the ballet concludes with their engagement.

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