Alexander Nikolaevich Benois

Professor N.L.Okunev, Prague
Thence by descent

V.Fiala, Russkaya zivopis' v sobraniyakh Chekhoslovakii, Leningrad: Xudoznik RSFSR, 1974, p.69-70 no.47 (illustrated)

The sheet appears sound. There is a faint crease to the top left corner and a light surface scratch to the top right corner and elsewhere. There are some very small flecks of paint-loss to the top edge. Held in a wooden frame behind glass. Unexamined out of frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This set design for unrealised opera, Auric's Enchantements d'Alcine,  came in a year when the future of the Ballets Russes appeared uncertain. Sergei Diaghilev died in Venice on 19th August 1929 which prompted many to question the longevity of his company. A journalist for the Daily Express summarised his feelings when he wrote, " I do not think the ballet will long survive. There is all the machinery, but no driving force. The man who built the machine is dead... Without the puppet master who pulls the strings the members of the ballet are only lifeless toys. The puppets are sad little things just now."

(cited in V.Garcia-Marquez, The Ballets Russes: Colonel de Basil's Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo 1932-152. New York: Alfred A.Knopf, 1990)

Despite Colonel de Basil's success at resurrecting the Ballets-Russes under a new guise in Monte Carlo and some successful tours of the United States, they would never again capture the pioneering innovation of Diaghilev, Benois and all the artists, composers, dancers and choreographers which gave the performances of 1906-1929 such energy and dynamism.