Léon Bakst

Estimate

15,000 - 20,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Léon Bakst
Costume design for a young Hindu Prince in Le Dieu bleu
signed in Latin and dated 1911 l.r.; faintly inscribed in Latin t.r.
gouache and gold paint over pencil on paper laid on board
sheet size: 28 by 20cm., 11 by 8in.

Exhibited

possibly Paris, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Pavillon de Marsan, 6 July - 15 October 1911
possibly London, The Fine Art Society, Léon Bakst, June - July 1913
New York, Boston, Detroit et al., Léon Bakst, November 1913 - June 1914

Literature

A.Alexandre, The Decorative Art of Léon Bakst, London: The Fine Art Society, 1913, listed p.vii, illustrated plate 10.

Condition

The sheet has discoloured, the surface is dirty and there is evidence of foxing throughout. There is a small strip missing from the sheet in the lower left corner. Held in a gold painted 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."

Catalogue Note

We are grateful to Alexander Schouvaloff for his help in cataloguing this lot.

To be sold together with a copy of the 1972 re-print of The Decorative Art of Léon Bakst.

Le Dieu bleu, a ballet based on a Hindu legend written by Jean Cocteau and Frédéric de Madrazo and set to music by Renaldo Hahn, was planned for the 1911 season in Paris. Once rehearsals for the season started in full, it became obvious that the proposed program was too ambitious and Diaghilev was forced to postpone Le Dieu bleu until 1912.
The majority of Bakst's designs for this production were inspired by traditional Indian and Hindu costumes, especially those in Mogul miniatures. Many costumes also echo types Bakst had designed for Schéhérezade and Orientales.