- 389
Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description
- Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev
- A Pair of Costume Designs for E. I. Zamiatin's Blokha, after N. Leskov's story Levsha, circa 1925
- each signed with initials in Cyrillic (lower right); each titled in Cyrillic (upper right); each inscribed N-34 (upper left, lower left)
- gouache on paperboard
- average size: 13 1/2 by 11 1/4 in.
- 34.3 by 28.6 cm
Catalogue Note
In 1925, Kustodiev designed for the Moscow Art Theatre production of Blokha, adapted by E.I. Zamiatin from N. Leskov's story "Levsha," and now considered one of the best theatrical adaptations of a Russian classic. Working closely with actor and director A.D. Dikii, Kustodiev designed the story as a folk comedy. When released, the production was so successful that Kustodiev was asked to design for it again, this time with director N.F. Monakhov for the Leningrad Bolshoi Drama Theatre. Rather than reusing his Moscow designs, the artist started anew, yet he chose to maintain an overall comic character, leading to even greater success. The present designs were created for this second production.